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2008 年版权所有
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Word List 1
Abbreviate abet
abject abominate abrogate abstain abstemious abstention
abut
abysmal accentuate accolade accrete accrue acerbic acolyte
acquiesce
acquisitive acquit acute
adamant addendum adjourn
adjunct admonish
adulate/adulterate affable affectation affidavit affiliate
affinity affix
afflict
abject sunk to or existing in a low state or condition 2. cast down in spirit : SERVILE,
SPIRITLESS
A central reason cited for the cutback was the abject failure of highly touted sports movies.
abominate
to hate or loathe intensely : ABHOR synonyms see HATE
abrogate to abolish by authoritative action : ANNUL2 : to treat as nonexistent
Both governments voted to abrogate the treaty.
abstemious marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol; also :
reflecting such restraint
But such people are abstemious in many other ways, e.g. they do not drink tea.
abstention
the act or practice of abstaining The draft law was passed by 134 votes to 19,
with 5 abstentions.
fasting and abstention from intoxicating drinks
accolade a ceremonial embrace b : a ceremony or salute conferring knighthood
2 a : a mark of acknowledgment : AWARD b : an expression of praise
She received a Grammy Award, the highest accolade in the music business.
accrete : to grow or become attached by accretion 2 to cause to adhere or become attached;
also : ACCUMULATE 3.to grow together; to grow or increase by means of gradual additions
accrue to accumulate or be added periodically 2.to increase the interest on money
advantages accruing from the introduction of new technology
Interest will accrue until payment is made.
acerbic acid in temper, mood, or tone
He is known for his acerbic wit and his mean streak.
acquisitive strongly desirous of acquiring and possessing synonyms see COVETOUS
He had never previously thought of himself as acquisitive or even as particularly materialistic.
acquit to pay off (as a claim or debt) b obsolete : REPAY, REQUITE2 : to discharge
completely (as from an obligation or accusation)
The judge directed the jury to acquit Phillips of the murder.
acute
severe but of short duration ; not chronic The housing shortage is more acute than
first thought.
Patients suffering from acute depression may well need medication.
adamant unshakable or immovable especially in opposition : UNYIELDING
She begged me to change my mind, but I remained adamant .
adjourn to suspend a session indefinitely or to another time or place2 : to move to another place
It was almost noon when the meeting adjourned.
Congress has adjourned for the November elections.
adjunct something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it
On-line instruction is a useful adjunct to the real thing.
admonish
to indicate duties or obligations to b : to express warning or disapproval to
especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner
The witness was admonished for failing to answer the question.
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affable : being pleasant and at ease in talking to others2 : characterized by ease and friendliness
affront She married an affable, middle-aged businessman.
affidavit a sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation before an
authorized magistrate or officer
If you lose the certificates, you can sign an affidavit and still retrieve the will.
affiliate to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch b : to associate as a
member The Society is not affiliated with any political party.
affinity close relationship (esp relationship by marriage)2.an attraction to or liking for something
the affinity between Christian and Chinese concepts of the spirit
affix
to attach physically 2 : to attach in any way : ADD, APPEND
He also affixed them to mirrors, which gave a different dimension to his work.
Afflict : HUMBLE b : OVERTHROW2 a : to distress so severely as to cause persistent
suffering or anguish
This type of pneumonia frequently afflicts elderly people
Word List 2
Affront
agglomerate
aggrandize aggrieve agnostic agog
agronomy
ail alacrity allay
alibi
alimentary allege
allegiance
allegory
allude alluring aloof
altruism amass ambivalence amenable
amity
amortize amphibian anachronistic anaerobic
anagram
anathema
anatomical anguish animus annal
annexation annul
anonymity
anorexia antecedence antecedent anthology
antic
anticipatory
antihistamine antipathy
antithesis
anvil
agog
: full of intense interest or excitement : EAGER
I've been agog all afternoon, waiting for the next part of your story.
agronomy
a branch of agriculture dealing with field-crop production and soil management
As ever, we cover the latest agronomy advice.
ail to give physical or emotional pain, discomfort, or trouble to 2. a bodily disorder or chronic
disease
This initiative is not the answer to what ails our educational system.
alacrity promptness in response2. cheerful readiness
She accepted with alacrity.
allay
to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : ALLEVIATE
The president made a statement to allay public anxiety.
aloof
see INDIFFERENT
They worked hard, but tended to stay aloof from the local inhabitants.
altruism : unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
Many choose to work in developing countries out of altruism.
amenable
capable of submission (as to judgment or test) : SUITED 2.willing to accept
what someone says or does without arguing She was always a very amenable child.
amity
FRIENDSHIP; especially : friendly relations between nations
a spirit of perfect amity
amortize : to provide for the gradual extinguishment of (as a mortgage) usually by contribution to
a sinking fund at the time of each periodic interest payment
It will amortize the rest of the next five to fifteen years.
anagram
a word or phrase made by transposing the letters of another word or phrase
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'Silent' is an anagram of 'listen'.
annexation to attach as a quality, consequence, or condition
The Baltic republics were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940.
anorexia loss of appetite especially when prolonged2 : ANOREXIA NERVOSA
This can easily cause anorexia and finally the demise of the stressed subject.
antecedence PRIORITY, PRECEDENCE
antecedent a preceding event, condition, or cause b plural
: the significant events,
conditions, and traits of one's earlier life
The Byrds are seen as an antecedent of bands like R.E.M.
antic
GROTESQUE, BIZARRE2 a : characterized by clownish extravagance or
absurdity b : whimsically gay : FROLICSOME
anticipatory anticipate :look forward to ;expect
Sales are better than anticipated.
antithesis
the rhetorical contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangements of words,
clauses, or sentences
This is not democratic. It is the antithesis of democracy.
Word List 3
Apex
aphorism
apiary aplomb apocalyptic apocrypha/ apocryphal
apoplectic
apostasy appall apparel apparition appellation applicable
apposite apprehensive apprise approbation appropriate apron apropos
aqueduct
arabesque
arbitrate arboreal arboretum arcane archetype
archipelago ardent argot
aria arrest arrhythmic arrogance
arrogate arroyo artery arthritis articulate
artificial Ascendancy ascetic
asparagus
asperity asphyxiate aspire/ aspirant assail
assay
assorted assuage asthma astrolabe astute asylum atonal atrocious
atrophy
aphorism
a concise statement of a principle2 : a terse formulation of a truth or
sentiment : ADAGE
But good aphorisms do not have to be meaningful in a strict sense
aplomb complete and confident composure or self-assurance : POISE synonyms see
CONFIDENCE
apocalyptic forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world : PROPHETIC
The novel presents us with an apocalyptic vision of the future
apocrypha/ apocryphal
of doubtful authenticity : SPURIOUS2 often capitalized : of or
resembling the Apocrypha synonyms see FICTITIOUS
The whole story may be apocryphal.
apoplectic
of, relating to, or causing stroke2 : of a kind to cause or apparently cause stroke *an
apoplectic rage*; also : greatly agitated ,FURIOUS
The colonel was apoplectic with rage.
appall WEAKEN, FAIL transitive senses
: to overcome with consternation, shock, or
dismay
He was appalled at how dirty the place was.
appellation an identifying name or title : DESIGNATION
The appellation covers the whole of Burgundy.
applicable
capable of or suitable for being applied : APPROPRIATE
The offer is only applicable to bookings for double rooms.
apposite : highly pertinent or appropriate : APT synonyms see RELEVANT
His observations are, indeed, apposite to the present discussion.
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apprehensive capable of apprehending or quick to do so : DISCERNING2 : having apprehension :
COGNIZANT3 : viewing the future with anxiety or alarm
We'd been a little apprehensive about their visit.
apprise to give notice to : TELL synonyms see INFORM
The district chairman was fully apprised of all the details.
approbation PROOF2 a : an act of approving formally or officially b : COMMENDATION,
PRAISE
Your child really wants your approbation.
appropriate to take exclusive possession of : ANNEX 2 : to set apart for or assign to a particular
purpose or use 3 : to take or make use of without authority or right
4. especially suitable or compatible : FITTING clothes appropriate for a job interview
He is suspected of appropriating government funds.
Congress appropriated $5 million for International Woman's Year.
apropos being both relevant and opportune synonyms see RELEVANT
He had nothing to say apropos of the latest developments.
arbitrate DECIDE, DETERMINE2 : to act as arbiter upon
A committee will arbitrate between management and unions.
arcane known or knowable only to the initiate : SECRET the arcane language of the law
archipelago an expanse of water with many scattered islands2 : a group of islands
For the rest, the archipelago could and did live off its own resources.
aria a striking solo performance (as in a movie )
Della Jones brings a new vitality to her mezzo arias.
arrogance
a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner
or presumptuous claims
I couldn't believe the arrogance of the man!
arrogate to claim or seize without justification b : to make undue claims to having : ASSUME2 :
to claim on behalf of another : ASCRIBE
It was up to Kasparov to prove that he still merited the title he arrogated.
arroyo a watercourse (as a creek) in an arid region2 : a water-carved gully or channel
artery any of the tubular branching muscular- and elastic-walled vessels that carry blood from
the heart through the body
Any beat of the heart might open the artery and spray the brain with blood.
articulate
divided into syllables or words meaningfully arranged : INTELLIGIBLE 2.
consisting of segments united by joints : JOINTED
Many people are unable to articulate the unhappiness they feel.
a new course that is designed to articulate with the current degree course
Ascendancy governing or controlling influence : DOMINATION
He slowly gained ascendancy in the group.
asperity RIGOR, SEVERITY2 a : roughness of surface : UNEVENNESS
His words were not heard but the hissing of the voice carried a certain asperity.
asphyxiate to cause asphyxia in; also : to kill or make unconscious by inadequate oxygen
Maybe she was hoping to asphyxiate him with carbon monoxide fumes
aspire/ aspirant to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal college graduates aspiring
to careers in finance At that time, all serious artists aspired to go to Rome.
assay
to analyze (as an ore) for one or more specific components b : to judge the worth of :
ESTIMATE 2.testing for quality
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Distribution of gluRs on the surface of muscle 6 was assayed as previously.
assorted suited especially by nature or character 2 : consisting of various kinds
The website contains links to assorted investment sites.
astrolabe a compact instrument used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies
before the invention of the sextant
asylum an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors :
SANCTUARY
He has been granted asylum in France.
atonal marked by avoidance of traditional musical tonality A backlash to atonal techno-pop
or angst-ridden thrash-rock?
atrocious
extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel : BARBARIC2 : APPALLING, HORRIFYING
This is the B side of the new single and truly atrocious.
Atrophy decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue
therapy to prevent the leg muscles from atrophying
Word List 4
Attenuate
attest
attune audacious
auditorium augur augury
auspices auspicious
authoritarian autonomous avalanche
avarice
aversion avert
aviary avid
avow
awning
awry
babble
backdrop
badinage
balk
ballast balm
balmy banal
banquet
banter barometer baroque bask
baste
bathetic baton
beat
bedlam begrudge
beholder
behoove belabor beleaguer
bellicose
belligerence
belligerence bellwether
benevolent benison bequeath
berate beset
betroth bestow
Attenuate
to make thin or slender2 : to make thin in consistency : RAREFY
an attenuated form of the polio virus
audacious
intrepidly daring : ADVENTUROUS
the risks involved in such an audacious operation
auspices kindly patronage and guidance
negotiations held under the auspices of the United Nations
auspicious
affording a favorable auspice : PROPITIOUS 2 : attended by good auspices :
PROSPEROUS
Saccani’s excellent recording is an auspicious start to what promises to be a
distinguished musical career.
authoritarian of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority2 : of, relating to, or
favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the
people Critics claim his management has become too authoritarian.
avalanche
a large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift motion down a
mountainside or over a precipice Two skiers were killed in the avalanche.
avarice excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain : GREEDINESS, CUPIDITY
I interpreted his secrecy as emotional avarice.
aversion feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn from it b : a
settled dislike : ANTIPATHY
Despite his aversion to publicity, Arnold was persuaded to talk to the press.
avert
to turn away or aside (as the eyes) in avoidance2 : to see coming and ward off :
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AVOID
he tragedy could have been averted if the crew had followed safety procedures.
avid
desirous to the point of greed : urgently eager : GREEDY
arid
As a keen writer and avid newspaper reader, Jenny had always wanted to be a journalist.
avow
to declare assuredly2 : to declare openly, bluntly, and without shame
He avowed his commitment to Marxist ideals.
awry
in a turned or twisted position or direction : ASKEW2 : off the correct or expected
course : AMISS My carefully laid plans had already gone awry. He rushed out, hat awry.
babble to utter in an incoherently or meaninglessly repetitious manner2 : to reveal by talk that is
too free
I have no idea what he was babbling on about.
backdrop
painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage2 : BACKGROUND
The sea made a splendid backdrop to the garden.
balk
to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle : BLOCK
Many people would balk at setting up a new business during a recession.
balm
a balsamic resin; especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees 2. an
aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment)
A drive through the countryside is balm for a weary soul.
balmy having the qualities of balm : SOOTHING b : MILD2 : CRAZY, FOOLISH
It was a balmy night with a full moon and the city shone Picasso blue.
banter to speak to or address in a witty and teasing manner
watched the guys as they bantered with the waitresses.
baroque : characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance
Often this effort achieves its end as baroque comedy.
bathetic characterized by bathos /the sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise
elevated matter or style b : ANTICLIMAX 2. exceptional commonplaceness : TRITENESS
beat
to mix by stirring ;whip2.to pulsate, vibrate
The average person's heart beats 70 times a minute.
begrudge
to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure2 : to look upon with
disapproval
We shouldn't begrudge her this success.
beholder
to perceive through sight or apprehension : SEE2 : to gaze upon : OBSERVE
The beauty of the garden was a pleasure to behold.
behoove
to be right or necessary to it behoves you to do learn your classes very well
belabor to attack verbally b : to beat soundly2 : to explain or insist on excessively
There is no need to belabour the point here.
benevolent marked by or disposed to doing good
A benevolent uncle paid for her to have music lessons.
benison BLESSING, BENEDICTION
berate to scold or condemn vehemently and at length synonyms see SCOLD
Don't be stupid, she berated herself.
beset
to set or stud with or as if with ornaments2 : TROUBLE, HARASS
The business has been beset with financial problems.
Word List 5
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Bewilder
bibliophile bifurcate
bigot
bilk
bit blanch bland
blandishment
blasphemy blatant brazen/brassary blazon blight
bliss
blithe
blizzard blotch blunder blunt
blurst bog
boggle bondage
bonnet boon
boor
bore
bouquet
bourgeois
bout
bracing brash
brat
brawl
bridle brink
brittle broach brochure
bromide brood brook bruit
brunt
brusque brute
bucolic buffon
bulge
bugle
bumptious burlesque
buttress
Bewilder
to cause to lose one's bearings 2 : to perplex or confuse especially by a complexity,
variety, or multitude of objects or considerations He was bewildered by his daughter's reaction.
bibliophile a lover of books especially for qualities of format;
A loose-knit band of authors, bibliophiles and intellectual gadflies
bifurcate
to cause to divide into two branches or parts : to divide into two branches or parts
bigot
a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices
Critics say the mayor is a bigot who is inflaming racial tensions in his city.
blanch to take the color out of: as a : to bleach by excluding light b : to scald or parboil in
water or steam in order to remove the skin from, whiten, or stop enzymatic action in
Blanch the peaches and remove the skins.
bland
smooth and soothing in manner or quality 2. not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating :
SOOTHING b : DULL, INSIPID
a bland suburban neighborhood
blandishment
something that tends to coax or cajole
blasphemy the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God b : the act
of claiming the attributes of deity2 : irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable
The book has been widely condemned as blasphemous.
blatant noisy especially in a vulgar or offensive manner : CLAMOROUS2 : completely obvious,
conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner : BRAZEN
a blatant disregard for public safety
blight
: a disease or injury of plants resulting in withering, cessation of growth, and death of
parts without rotting
Her guilty secret was a blight on her happiness.
blithe
of a happy lighthearted character or disposition2 : lacking due thought or consideration
a blithe disregard for the facts
He seems blithely unaware of how much anger he's
caused.
blunder to utter stupidly, confusedly, or thoughtlessly2 : to make a stupid, careless, or
thoughtless mistake in A last-minute blunder cost them the match.
boggle to start with fright or amazement : be overwhelmed
My mind boggles at the amount of work still to do.
bondage the tenure or service of a villein, serf, or slave2 : a state of being bound usually by
compulsion young women lost to the bondage of early motherhood
bracing giving strength, vigor, or freshness
Hank loved the feel of the bracing sea air against his face.
brash
heedless of the consequences : AUDACIOUS 2. lacking restraint and discernment
Brash noisy journalists were crowding around the ambassador.
The painting was bold, brash, and modern.
brawl
to quarrel or fight noisily : WRANGLE2 : to make a loud confused noise
No one was injured in the brawl, which police quickly stopped.
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bridle the headgear with which a horse is governed and which carries a bit and reins 2. CURB,
RESTRAINT
One of the men turned his horse by seizing its bridle.
brink
EDGE; especially : the edge at the top of a steep place2 : a bank especially of a
river
In October 1962 the world seemed on the brink of nuclear war.
brittle easily broken, cracked, or snapped Joanna was diagnosed as having brittle bones.
broach to pierce (as a cask) in order to draw the contents; also : to open for the first time
I broached the subject of his past.
brochure
PAMPHLET, BOOKLET;
especially
: one containing descriptive or
advertising material
Readers can pick up a brochure for that.
bruit
: NOISE, DIN b : REPORT, RUMOR 2. to noise abroad : REPORT 2.to spread rumor
brunt
the principal force, shock, or stress (as of an attack)2 : the greater part : BURDEN
an industry that bore the brunt of the recession The car took the full brunt of the explosion.
brusque markedly short and abrupt2 : blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious
harshness
Her secretary was a little brusque on the phone.
brute of or relating to beasts 2. characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: as a :
CRUEL, SAVAGE
Discussion can be more effective than the use of brute force.
bucolic of or relating to shepherds or herdsmen : PASTORAL2 : relating to or typical of rural
life
The church is lovely, both in itself and for its bucolic setting.
buffoon : a ludicrous figure : CLOWN2 : a gross and usually ill-educated or stupid person
To many people he was just a romantic buffoon.
bulge
to jut out : SWELL b : to bend outward c : to become swollen or protuberant
bugle
The gun made a bulge under his jacket.
bumptious presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive : OBTRUSIVE
She had been out with a young lawyer once, a bumptious and ambitious man, and a boring one.
burlesque
a mixture of comedy and striptease
He also wrote skits, burlesques, and film scenarios, and was an inspired anthologist.
Word List 6
Cacophonous
cadet
cadge
cajole calamity
caldron calibrate calipers
callous callow calumny/calumniate cameo camouflage candidacy
cane
canine canny canon canto
cantankerous
capitulate
carafe
carapace caricature
carnivorous carol
carrion castigate cataclysm
catastrophe categorical catharsis
caucus caustic cauterize
cavalry
caveat cavort censor centaur certitude cession chagrin chameleon
chancellor
chandelier
char
charade
charisma
charlatan
chary
calamity
a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss
It would be a calamity for the farmers if the crops failed again.
callow lacking adult sophistication : IMMATURE2.unfledge a callow young man
calumny/calumniate a misrepresentation intended to blacken another's reputation
2 : the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations
He could brand this as a calumny
cameo jewel carved in relief 2.cast
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Denholm Eliot put in a cameo appearance as a butler.
camouflage the disguising especially of military equipment or installations
soldiers learning camouflage technique
candidacy
the state of being a candidate
The local party supported her candidacy for the post of chairman.
canine of or resembling that of a dog
her loyal canine friend
capitulate
PARLEY, NEGOTIATE2 a : to surrender often after negotiation of terms
Helen finally capitulated and let her son have a car.
carapace a bony or chitinous case or shield covering the back or part of the back of an animal
Between catwalks loomed the stooped carapaces of the Titans.
cataclysm
/catastrophe FLOOD, DELUGE2 : CATASTROPHE / the final event of the
dramatic action especially of a tragedy
Time was no longer associated just with cataclysms and festivals but rather with everyday life.
The Black Sea is facing ecological catastrophe as a result of pollution.
catharsis
PURGATION2 a : purification or purgation of the emotions
Music is a means of catharsis for me.
caustic capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action : CORROSIVE2 : marked by
incisive sarcasm Eliot appreciated Pound's caustic wit. caustic soda
cauterize
to sear with a cautery or caustic2 : to make insensible : DEADEN
But do they really cauterize the wounds of historical separation and loss?
cavort PRANCE2 : to engage in extravagant behavior
She cavorted about in the shallow water.
censor to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable
The information given to the press was carefully censored by the Ministry of Defence.
certitude the state of being or feeling certain2 : certainty of act or event
And over the years those increments of certitude had made me the perfect foreigner
chary
discreetly cautious Banks were chary of lending the company more money.
Word List 7
Chaste chastise chef
chicanery
chide
chimera choir/chorus choleric
chuckle churl
cinder circumstantial
circumvent clairvoyance clamor
clannish clarion clasp
cleft
clientele clinch clipper clog
clot cloture
cloudburst clout
cloying coagulant
coalesce/coalition
coax
cobbler coda
coddle coerce coeval cogent cogitate colander
collage collate collected colloquial
colonize
coltish coma/comatose
combustible commencement commensurate
commentary
Chaste innocent of unlawful sexual intercourse2 : CELIBATE She led a chaste, decent life.
chastise to inflict punishment on (as by whipping)2 : to censure severely : CASTIGATE
'You're a fool,' she chastised herself.
chicanery
: deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry : TRICKERY
Clearly there is some chicanery going on.
chimera a fire-breathing she-monster in Greek mythology 2. an illusion or fabrication of the
mind
trying to present that chimera, 'a balanced view' the chimera of a "universal
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language"
choir/chorus an organized company of singers /a company of singers and dancers in Athenian
drama participating in or commenting on the action
Everyone joined in the chorus. He joined a church choir at the age of eight.
choleric easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger : hot-tempered2 : ANGRY,
IRATE
He was a choleric, ill-tempered man.
chuckle to laugh inwardly or quietly What are you chuckling about?
churl
CEORL2 : a medieval peasant3 : RUSTIC, COUNTRYMAN .2 surly ill bred person
circumstantial
belonging to, consisting in, or dependent on circumstances2 : pertinent but not
essential : INCIDENTAL 3.including all the details
The case against McCarthy is based largely on circumstantial evidence.
The book includes a long and circumstantial account of Empson's conversation with the Queen.
circumvent to hem in b : to make a circuit around2 : to manage to get around especially by
The company opened an account abroad, in order to circumvent the tax laws.
clarion a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones2 : the sound of or as if of a clarion
This election is a clarion call for our country to face the challenges ahead.
clasp
a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together 2. a holding or enveloping
bound
with
brass
with or as if with the hands or arms the firm clasp of her hand
clasps.
cleft
a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : FISSURE 2. to divide by or as if by a
cutting blow : SPLIT
a cleft in the granite cliff
Once here he will have an operation to repair a cleft palate by plastic surgeon Charles Viva.
clinch : to secure conclusively : WIN 2. to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of
A last-minute touchdown clinched the game for the Saints.
We'd talked about moving, and the burglary clinched it for us.
clipper a fast sailing ship But the days of clipper ships were numbered.
cloture the closing or limitation of debate in a legislative body especially by calling for a vote
clout
to cover or patch with a clout2 : to hit forcefully
Few companies have the
She clouted the boy across the face.
clout to handle such large deals.
coagulant
something that produces coagulation/ to cause to become viscous or thickened
into a coherent mass : CURDLE, CLOT
coalesce/coalition
to grow together2 a : to unite into a whole : FUSE
Gradually the different groups of people coalesced into one dominant racial group.
coax
to influence or gently urge by caressing or flattering : WHEEDLE
Please, Vic, come with us,' Nancy coaxed. We had to coax Alan into going to school.
cobbler a mender or maker of shoes and often of other leather goods
I've never heard such a load of old cobblers in my life!
coda
a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure
It is the coda of the executioner, the knell of bloody doom.
coerce to restrain or dominate by force 2 : to compel to an act or choice
The rebels coerced the villagers into hiding them from the army.
coeval of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration synonyms see CONTEMPORARY
cogent having power to compel or constrain *cogent forces*2 a : appealing forcibly to the mind
or reason
a cogent argument for banning the drug
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cogitate to ponder or meditate on usually intently : to meditate deeply or intently THINK
Archimedes stroked his beard and retired to cogitate.
colander
a perforated utensil for washing or draining food
Cover top of colander with wax paper and set over sink to drain 24 hours.
collage an artistic composition made of various materials (as paper, cloth, or wood) glued on a
surface It's a collage of delirious sound things you understand.
collate : to compare critically b : to collect, compare carefully in order to verify, and often to
integrate or arrange in order
A computer system is used to collate information from across Britain.
combustible capable of combustion2 : easily excited / an act or instance of burning
Indeed, no single episode combines as many combustible elements as this one.
commencement : the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas
Colin Powell was asked to give the commencement address.
commensurate
equal in measure or extent : COEXTENSIVE
Salary will be commensurate with age and experience.
Commentary an explanatory treatise b : a record of events usually written by a participant 2 a :
a systematic series of explanations or interpretations (as of a writing) b : COMMENT
We'll be bringing you full commentary on the game between Notts and Brescia.
Commentary is by Tom Ferris.
Word List 8
Commonsense
commotion commune
compendium compatible
compatriot compensatory
compete complaisance complementary composed
compost compromise conciliate
concomitant concord concussion
condone conducive
confederacy configuration confiscate
conflagration conflate
conform congeal congenial
congruent
conjecture conjure
connive connotation consensus
consequential conservatory constellation
consternation constraint
constrict
concatenate condescend confess
Commonsense
the unreflective opinions of ordinary people2 : sound and prudent but
often unsophisticated judgment
Use your common sense when deciding when children should go to bed.
commotion a condition of civil unrest or insurrection4 a : an agitated disturbance : TO-DO b :
noisy confusion : AGITATION
Everyone looked to see what was causing the commotion .
compendium a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge : ABSTRACTS2 a : a
list of a number of items
A great scholarly compendium of folklore and legends.
compatible capable of existing together in harmony
Stephen's political views often weren't compatible with her own.
compensatory
to be equivalent to : COUNTERBALANCE2 : to make an appropriate and
usually counterbalancing payment to She was awarded a large sum in compensatory damages
complaisance disposition to please or comply : AFFABILITY
If consensus breeds academic complaisance, chaos does the opposite.
complementary serving to fill out or complete3 : mutually supplying each other's lack
The computer and the human mind have different but complementary abilities.
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compromise settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual
concessions To stop the argument they decided on a compromise.
conciliate
to gain (as goodwill) by pleasing acts2 : to make compatible :
RECONCILE3.TO SOOTHE THE ANGER OF
Negotiators were called in to conciliate the
warring factions.
concomitant accompanying especially in a subordinate or incidental way
war with all its concomitant sufferings
condone to pardon or overlook voluntarily; especially : to treat as if trivial, harmless, or of
no importance
I cannot condone the use of violence under any circumstances.
conducive
tending to promote or assist
Other things being equal, visual improvements are conducive to survival and reproduction.
conflagration FIRE; especially : a large disastrous fire2 : CONFLICT, WAR
Apart from conflagrations in buildings, environmental fires can occur.
conflate : to bring together : FUSE b : CONFUSE2 : to combine
He conflates two images from Kipling's short stories in the film.
congeal to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold a pan full of congealed fat
congruent
: CONGRUOUS2 : superposable so as to be coincident throughout
The retreat design was also congruent with the power styles of Tom Rice and the consultant.
conjure to charge or entreat earnestly or solemnly2 a : to summon by or as if by invocation or
incantation
The magician conjured a rabbit out of his hat.
He has conjured victories from worse situations than this.
connive to pretend ignorance of or fail to take action against something one ought to oppose
He would not be the first politician to connive at a shady business deal.
connotation the suggesting of a meaning by a word apart from the thing it explicitly names or
describes The word 'professional' has connotations of skill and excellence.
consensus
general agreement : UNANIMITY
There is a consensus among teachers that
children should have a broad understanding of the world.
consequential SELF-IMPORTANT
There must of course be no consequential loss of quality
conservatory a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants 2. a school specializing in one of the
fine arts
the National Conservatory of Musics As in the first pavilion, the conservatory
recedes into the background and the rain forest embraces visitors.
constrict
to make narrow or draw together b : COMPRESS, SQUEEZE 2 : to stultify, stop,
or cause to falter : INHIBIT Caffeine constricts the blood vessels in your body.
Fear of crime constricts many people's lives.
condescend to descend to a less formal or dignified level : UNBEND b : to waive the
privileges of rank2 : to assume an air of superiority Take care not to condescend to your readers.
Word List 9
Construe
consummate contended
contentious contiguous containment
contaminate contemplate contemptcontinuation contort contradictory contravene
contrite controvert conundrum contumacious convalesce convertible convict
convivial
conversant convoke convoluted convulse convulsion cornucopia
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coronation corporeal
corpuscle
corral corroborate corrugate
cosset coterie coterminous countenance counteract covenant covert
covet
crabbed cranky crass
cravat craving crestfallen
cringe
critique crockery cronyism crudity crumb/crumble/crumple
crutch crux
cryogenic
cryptic cuisine culinary culpable
cult cultivate
Construe to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in 2.to translate orally
comments that could be construed as sexist The term can be construed in two different ways.
consummate complete in every detail : PERFECT2 : extremely skilled and accomplished
He won the race with consummate ease
contended
show content and satisfied.
contentious likely to cause contention
Animal welfare did not become a contentious issue until the late 1970s.
contiguous being in actual contact : touching along a boundary or at a point
America's 48 contiguous states
containment keep sth within limits
political containment of member states containment of public expenditure
contaminate to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association
Drinking water supplies are believed to have been contaminated.
contemplate to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
He had even contemplated suicide. Did you ever contemplate resigning?
contemptthe act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises : DISDAIN
The contempt he felt for his fellow students was obvious.
contravene to go or act contrary to : VIOLATE
Some portions of the bill may contravene state law.
contrite grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming2 : proceeding from contrition
Her tone was contrite and I thought Puddy was going to get all choked up.
controvert
to dispute or oppose by reasoning to engage in controversy
The judges' decision provoked controversy.
contumacious stubbornly disobedient : REBELLIOUS
convict to find or prove to be guilty2 : to convince of error or sinfulness
She was convicted of shoplifting.
convivial
relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company
The mood was relaxed and convivial.
conversant having frequent or familiar association3 : having knowledge or experience used
with with
Staff members are conversant with the issues.
convoke to call together to a meeting
Separate meetings had been convoked by the two opposing factions.
convoluted having convolutions2 : INVOLVED, INTRICATE 3.coiled ,sprialed
long paragraphs and convoluted sentences The argument is rather convoluted.
a tightly-coiled convoluted tube
convulse : to shake or agitate violently; especially : to shake with or as if with
He sat down, his shoulders convulsing with sobs.
A wave of nationalist demonstrations convulsed the country in 1919.
convulsion : an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the
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muscles2 a : a violent disturbance b : an uncontrolled fit : PAROXYSM His temperature was
very high and he went into convulsions .
the 19th-century political convulsions in France
corral a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock
We stood around the corral watching a cowboy saddle the horse.
corroborate to support with evidence or authority : make more certain synonyms see
CONFIRM We now have new evidence to corroborate the defendant's story.
corrugate
to form or shape into wrinkles or folds or into alternating ridges and grooves :
FURROW
a shack with a corrugated metal roof
coterie an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or
purpose clique
His loyal coterie of fans crowded the stage.
coterminous having the same or coincident boundaries 2 : coextensive in scope or duration
With us privacy and kinship are felt to be roughly coterminous.
countenance : BEARING, DEMEANOR2 a : calm expression b : mental composure c :
LOOK, EXPRESSION All colour drained from her countenance.
counteract to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite
force
They gave him drugs to counteract his withdrawal symptoms.
covenant a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement : COMPACT2 a : a written agreement
or promise usually under seal between two or more parties
He covenanted to pay £30 a month into the fund.
cranky given to fretful fussiness : readily angered when opposed : CROTCHETY
Organic farming is no longer thought of as cranky.
I was feeling tired and cranky.
crass
guided by or indicative of base or materialistic values 2.crude and unrefined
But this isn't just another crass commercialization of a fictional character.
cringe to shrink in fear or servility3 : to behave in an excessively humble or servile way FAWN
A stray dog was cringing by the door. She cringed at the sound of her own voice.
crockery EARTHENWARE
No two pieces of our everyday crockery match.
cronyism
partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of political
hangers-on to office without regard to their qualifications
Nepotism and cronyism are proving his downfall.
crumb/crumble/crumple a small fragment especially of something baked (as bread) b : a
porous aggregate of soil particles She stood up to brush the crumbs off her uniform.
crux
a puzzling or difficult problem : an unsolved question2 : an essential point requiring
resolution
The crux of the matter is how do we prevent a flood occurring again?
cryogenic
of or relating to the production of very low temperatures
This removes half of the cryogenics problem but leaves us with liquid oxygen.
cryptic : SECRET, OCCULT2 a : having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning :
MYSTERIOUS
a cryptic note at the end of the letter
cuisine/culinary manner of preparing food : style of cooking; /of or relating to the kitchen or
cookery Enjoy the delicious cuisine created by our award-winning chef.
Mary learned a lot of culinary skills from Gerard.
cult a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
Anyone who betrayed the cult could be punished by death.
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Word List 10
Cumulus cupidity curator curb
curdle curmudgeon cursory curt cuticle
cutlery cytology dabble daft
dagger dainty dally
dandy dapper
dappled daunt
dawdle deaden debacle debark debase debilitate
debouch debrief debunk debut
deciduous
decimate
decorum decrepit
decry
dedication
deface default defer
deflated deflect defraud deft
defuse deign
dejected
delectable
deleterious delicacy delimit
delineate delude delve
demagogue demise demote demotic denigrate
denouement
cupidity inordinate desire for wealth : AVARICE, GREED the cupidity of some businessmen
curdle to form curds; also : to congeal as if by forming curds
Milk may curdle in warm weather.
cursory rapidly and often superficially performed or produced : HASTY
Even a cursory glance at the figures will tell you that sales are down this year.
curt sparing of words : TERSE b : marked by rude or peremptory shortness : BRUSQUE
With a curt nod, he turned away and sat down.
dabble to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : SPATTER1 a : to paddle, splash, or play
in or as if in water
people who dabble in painting as a way of relaxing
dainty something delicious to the taste b : something choice or pleasing 2.tasting good :
TASTY b : attractively prepared and served
She was wearing a short black dress and dainty black sandals.
dally
to act playfully; especially : to play amorously b : to deal lightly : TOY
Don't dally along the way! We haven't got much time.
dandy a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance
A dandy with a thin mustache, he carried a cane and wore a hard-visored cap.
dapper neat and trim in appearance b : excessively spruce and stylish
a dapper little man in a grey suit
dappled covered with spots of different color. the dappled shade of the trees
daunt
to lessen the courage of : COW, SUBDUE 2.dishearten or dismay
He felt utterly daunted by the prospect of moving to another country.
deaden to impair in vigor or sensation : BLUNT
medicine to deaden the pain
debacle tumultuous breakup of ice in a river3 a : a great disaster b : a complete failure :
FIASCO
the debacle of the 1994 elections
debilitate
to impair the strength of : ENFEEBLE
Progress has been debilitated by a refusal to share ideas.
debrief to interrogate (as a pilot) usually upon return (as from a mission) in order to obtain
useful information The returning bomber crews were debriefed.
debunk to expose the sham or falseness of
His claims were later debunked by fellow academics.
deciduous
falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle
2. EPHEMERAL ,not lasting 3.shedding leaves annually
Jays are the restless, truly deciduous woodland dwellers of the crow tribe.
decimate
to select by lot and kill every tenth man of2 : to exact a tax of 10 percent from
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The population has been decimated by disease.
decorum : propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
He was disciplined for breaching the Senate's rules of decorum.
decrepit
wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age2 a : impaired by use
or wear : WORN-OUT The buildings were in a decrepit state.
decry
to depreciate (as a coin) officially or publicly2 : to express strong disapproval of
Loisel decried the election results.
dedication
a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose
To reach a high level of skill requires talent, dedication, and a lot of hard work.
deface to mar the external appearance of : injure by effacing significant details
Most of the monuments had been broken or defaced.
default to fail to fulfill a contract, agreement, or duty: as a : to fail to meet a financial
obligation
The company is in default on its loan agreement.
defer
PUT OFF, DELAY2 : to postpone induction of (a person) into military service 3. to
delegate to another
Further discussion on the proposal will be deferred until April.
deflect to turn aside especially from a straight course or fixed direction to turn aside :
DEVIATE
Connor deflected the blow with his left forearm.
defraud to deprive of something by deception or fraud
She defrauded her employers of thousands of pounds.
deft characterized by facility and skill synonyms see DEXTEROUS
He sketched her with quick, deft strokes.
deign
to condescend reluctantly and with a strong sense of the affront to one's superiority that
is involved
Travis called after her, but she didn't deign to answer.
dejected
cast down in spirits : DEPRESSED
The unemployed stood at street corners, dejected.
delectable
highly pleasing : DELIGHTFUL2 : DELICIOUS
Delectable smells rose from
the kitchen.
delimit to fix or define the limits of The fence delimits the state boundaries.
delve
to dig or labor with or as if with a spade2 : to make a careful or detailed search for
information research that delves deeply into this issue
demise the conveyance of an estate2 : transfer of the sovereignty to a successor3 a : DEATH
the mystery surrounding Elena's untimely demise (=when death happens sooner than is normal or
expected)
demotic of, relating to, or written in a simplified form of the ancient Egyptian hieratic writing
2 : POPULAR
he would adopt a more straight forward, demotic style.
denigrate
to cast aspersions on : DEFAME2 : to deny the importance or validity of
people who denigrate their own country
denouement the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work2 : the
outcome of a complex sequence of events
The plot takes us to Paris for the denouement of the story.
Word List 11
Dent
depict
deplore deport
depraved/depravity
depreciate
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deprivation deracinate
derelict deride dermatologist derogate descent/descend
descry desiccate
designation despicable
despondent despot destitution
desultory
detergent
detest detour detraction
detrimental
devastate
deviant/deviate devious devour devout diabolical
dialect diaphanous diatribe didactic die diffident dilapidate
dilate
dilatory dilettante
diminution din dingy
disabuse disaffect disagreeable
disciple discomfit
discomfited discourse
discrepancy discrete/discreet
deplore : to feel or express grief for b : to regret strongly
The UN deplored the invasion as a 'violation of international law'.
depraved/depravity
to speak ill of : MALIGN2 : to make bad : CORRUPT;
especially : to corrupt morally He was described as dangerous and depraved and a menace to
society.
deracinate
UPROOT to pull up by the roots , eradicate
derelict abandoned especially by the owner or occupant : RUN-DOWN2 : lacking a sense of
duty : NEGLIGENT In the middle of town is a derelict building that used to be the school.
deride to laugh at contemptuously2 : to subject to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule
You shouldn't deride their efforts. The party was derided as totally lacking in ideas.
derogate to take away a part so as to impair : DETRACT2 : to act beneath one's position or
character
The law does not allow a man to derogate from his grant.
descent/descend derivation from an ancestor : BIRTH, LINEAGE2. the act or process of
descending 3. ATTACK, INVASION Passengers must fasten their seat belts prior to descent
young men and women of Asian descent.
the descent on the town by a motorcycle gang
desiccate
to dry up2 : to preserve (a food) by drying : DEHYDRATE
Scratched into this desiccated earth is an environmental warning.
despicable
deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation
It's despicable the way he treats those kids.
despondent feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression
Gill had been out of work for a year and was getting very despondent.
destitution the state of being destitute; especially : such extreme want as threatens life
unless relieved POVERTY The floods left many people destitute .
desultory
marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose
They talked briefly in a desultory manner.
detergent
that cleanses : CLEANSING
Wash the interior with baking soda water or mild detergent.
detour : to send by a circuitous route2 : to avoid by going around : BYPASS
We took a detour to avoid the town centre.
detraction
a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty
criticism : BELITTLING, DISPARAGEMENT
detrimental obviously harmful : DAMAGING
the detrimental effect of pollution on the environment
deviant/deviate to stray especially from a standard, principle, or topic2 : to depart from an
established course or norm The plane had to deviate from its normal flight path.
devious OUT-OF-THE-WAY, REMOTE2 a : WANDERING, ROUNDABOUT
Their method of collecting money was devious, but not illegal.
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devout devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises
It is my devout hope that we can work together in peace.
diabolical
of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil : DEVILISH
The toilets were in a diabolical state.
dilapidate
to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin
Some of the old homes in Newville are well kept, but others are dilapidated.
dilate
to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent : DISTEND, WIDEN
He dilated upon their heroism.
dilatory tending or intended to cause delay
Their unreasonable demands had a dilatory effect on the peace process.
din : a loud continued noise; especially : a welter of discordant sounds
Ged was trying to make himself heard above the din.
dingy
DIRTY, DISCOLORED2 : SHABBY, SQUALID
He ate lunch in a dingy little cafe next to the station.
disabuse : to free from error, fallacy, or misconception
I tried to disabuse him of that notion.
disaffect to alienate the affection or loyalty of
the disaffected youth from poor neighborhoods
disagreeable : causing discomfort : UNPLEASANT, OFFENSIVE2 : marked by ill temper :
PEEVISH
The conversation was disagreeable to him.
discomfit
to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment : DISCONCERT
He was discomfited by her silence.
discomfited frustrated , embarrassed
discourse
formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject
Candidates should engage in serious political discourse.
discrepancy the quality or state of being discrepant
Police found discrepancies in the two men's reports.
discrete/discreet constituting a separate entity : individually distinct/ having or showing
discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech
The change happens in a series of discrete steps. He assured her that he would be discreet.
Word List 12
Discretion
discretionary discursive
disdain disentangle disfigure disfranchise
disgruntle
disinter dislodge dismal disparage
disparate
dispel
dispense disperse disposable
disrupt/ disruptive
dissect disseminate dissent
dissident dissipate dissolute dissolve dissuade distract divert divest/divesture
divine divulge docile dodge doff doggerel
doldrums
dolorous
dolt domicile doodle dormancy
/dormant
dorsal dossier dote
dour
douse
down
downplay
doyen n draconian
drawbridge drawl
dreary drench drivel droll
drone
droop
Discretion
the quality of being discreet : CIRCUMSPECTION; especially
: cautious
reserve in speech Absolute discretion is required from everyone working for the Royal Family.
discursive
moving from topic to topic without order : RAMBLING
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a long, discursive article
Rich's novels are circling and discursive.
disdain a feeling of contempt for what is beneath one : SCORN
She watched me with disdain.
disentangle : to free from entanglement : UNRAVEL
It's very difficult to disentangle fact from fiction in what she's saying.
disgruntle
to make ill-humored or discontented usually used as a participial adjective
After long delays, disgruntled passengers were taken to a nearby hotel.
dislodge to drive from a position of hiding, defense, or advantage2 : to force out of a secure or
settled position
Ian dislodged a few stones as he climbed up the rock.
the revolution that failed to dislodge the British in 1919
disparage
to lower in rank or reputation : DEGRADE2 : to depreciate by indirect means
(as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about synonyms see DECRY
Matcham's theatres were widely disparaged by architects.
disparate
containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous elements
2 : markedly distinct in quality or character
the difficulties of dealing with disparate groups of people
dispel to drive away by or as if by scattering : DISSIPATE
We want to dispel the myth
that you cannot eat well in Britain.
Light poured into the hall, dispelling the shadows.
dispense : to prepare and distribute (medication)
Villagers dispensed tea to people involved in the accident.
disposable
subject to or available for disposal; specifically 2 : designed to be used once
and then thrown away Didn't you know you can buy disposable contact lenses now?
disrupt/ disruptive
to break apart : RUPTURE b : to throw into disorder
Traffic was disrupted by a hoax bomb.
dissect to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (as an animal) for scientific
examination books in which the lives of famous people are dissected
dissident disagreeing especially with an established religious or political system, organization, or
belief
a prominent political dissident
dissipate to break up and drive off (as a crowd) b : to cause to spread thin or scatter and
gradually vanish
As he thought it over, his anger gradually dissipated. Little by
little, the smoke was dissipated by the breeze.
dissolute lacking restraint; especially
: marked by indulgence in things (as drink or
promiscuous sex) I can not see her as an innocent victim of a nasty and dissolute hippie.
divert to turn aside : DEVIATE
The company should divert more resources into research.
divest/divesture to deprive or dispossess especially of property, authority, or title b : to
undress or strip especially of clothing, ornament, or equipment
pressure on hospitals to divest tobacco-related stocks
divine to discover intuitively : INFER
Somehow, the children had divined that he was
lying.
divulge to make public : PROCLAIM2 : to make known
It is not company policy to divulge personal details of employees.
docile easily taught2 : easily led or managed : TRACTABLE
Labradors are gentle, docile dogs.
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dodge to evade by a sudden or repeated shift of position b : to avoid an encounter with
He ran across the courtyard, dodging a storm of bullets
doggerel
loosely styled and irregular in measure poems
He uses doggerel and lampoon as weapons against his captors.
doldrums
a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light
shifting winds3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump
The property market has been in the doldrums for months.
dolorous causing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief
dolt a stupid person
Actually, I can, given the stuff that dolts selfishly dump on the streets of my neighborhood.
domicile : a dwelling place : place of residence : HOME
Military service entails frequent changes of domicile.
doodle an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch; also : a minor work
Brad was doodling on a sheet of paper.
dorsal relating to or situated near or on the back especially of an animal or of one of its parts
The dorsal arm plates are fan shaped to rounded triangular and contiguous proximally.
dote
to exhibit mental decline of or like that of old age : be in one's dotage2 : to be lavish or
excessive in one's attention, fondness, or affection
Everyone doted on Sally, the only girl in the family.
dour
STERN, HARSH2 : OBSTINATE, UNYIELDING3 : GLOOMY, SULLEN
It was a dour struggle between two workmanlike teams.
douse
to plunge into water2 a : to throw a liquid on : DRENCH b : SLOSH
More of the reeking petrol was doused over him.
down
a covering of soft fluffy feathers; also : these feathers
Bring a down jacket and a pair of gloves, and you'll be fine
downplay
PLAY DOWN, DE-EMPHASIZE
White House officials attempted to downplay the President's role in the affair.
draconian
CRUEL; also : SEVERE
draconian measures to control population growth
drone
the male of a bee (as the honeybee) that has no sting and gathers no honey
2. to make a sustained deep murmuring, humming, or buzzing sound
An airplane droned overhead. Tom was droning on and on about work.
Word List 13
Dross
drove
drudgery
duel
duet
dummy dupe
duplicitous
duress dwarf dwindle dyslexia dyspeptic
eavesdrop
ebb ebullience
eclectic eccentric ecstasy ecstatic eddy
edifice efface effervesce
effete
effluvia effrontery
effulgent egalitarian egregious
egress
elaborateelegy
eligible ellipsis elm elocution
eloquence
elude
emaciate emancipate embezzlement
emblematic embolden
emboss
embroider eminent emote empathy
emphatic
empower
empyreal
enamel enclosure
encomiast
encomium
encroach
encumber
endearing
endemic endorse enervate enfeeble engender
engulf enjoin
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enliven
Dross
the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal
Most of the poems were pretentious dross.
drove
a group of animals driven or moving in a body a drove of cattle
drudgery
dull, irksome, and fatiguing work : uninspiring or menial labor
the endless drudgery of housework
duplicitous contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action; especially : the belying
of one's true intentions by deceptive words or action Nor will I tolerate any lying or duplicity.
duress forcible restraint or restriction2 : compulsion by threat
The confession was obtained under duress.
dyspeptic
INDIGESTION2 : ill humor : DISGRUNTLEMENT
We can therefore discount his dyspeptic remarks about Coleridge being an apostate.
ebullience
the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings :
EXUBERANCE
My father is a naturally ebullient personality.
eclectic selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles2 : composed of
elements drawn from various sources
galleries with an eclectic range of styles and artists
an eclectic mixture of 18th and 19th century furniture
ecstasy/ecstatic
a state of being beyond reason and self-control 2 : a state of overwhelming
emotion; 3.entrance
She was in an ecstasy of love.
eddy
a current of water or air running contrary to the main current; especially : a
circular current : WHIRLPOOL
the racing river caused swirling eddies
edifice : BUILDING; especially : a large or massive structure
Their head office was an imposing edifice.
efface to eliminate or make indistinct by or as if by wearing away a surface
Nothing can efface the last picture I have of them from my mind.
effervesce
: to bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes2 : to show liveliness or exhilaration
This occurs when the deep desires, frustrations and fantasies of the hidden self effervesce to the
surface.
effete
no longer fertile2 a : having lost character, vitality, or strength
an attack against effete intellectuals
Could one call it decadent or effete?
effulgent radiant splendor : BRILLIANCE
Without iridescent blue eye shadow, an effulgent outfit or a hair-sprayed coif, she looks normal.
egregious
DISTINGUISHED2 : CONSPICUOUS; especially : conspicuously bad :
FLAGRANT
The situation at Zefco was one of the most egregious examples of discrimination we have seen.
egress a place or means of going out : EXIT
Another is that a store is useless without means of access and egress.
elocution
a style of speaking especially in public2 : the art of effective public speaking
A similar effort to learn elocution ended just as quickly.
elude
to avoid adroitly : EVADE2 : to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of
He managed to elude his pursuers by escaping into a river.
The exact terminology eludes me for the moment.
emaciate to cause to lose flesh so as to become very thin2 : to make feeble
The prisoners were ill and emaciated.
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emblematic of, relating to, or constituting an emblem : SYMBOLIC, REPRESENTATIVE/ a
picture with a motto or set of verses intended as a moral lesson
The Vespa scooter became emblematic of sophisticated urban culture across Europe.
embroider
to ornament with needlework b : to form with needlework
The dress was embroidered with flowers.
emote to give expression to emotion especially in or as if in acting
Siskind encourages the children to emote to the music as they dance.
empathy
the ability to understand other people's feelings and problems
She had great empathy with people.
emphatic
uttered with or marked by emphasis
Wilde was emphatic that the event should go ahead.
Encomiast/encomium one that praises : EULOGIST
encumber
WEIGH DOWN, BURDEN2 : to impede or hamper the function or activity
of : HINDER He died in 1874, heavily encumbered by debt.
endearing
: to make higher in cost, value, or estimation2 : to cause to become beloved or
admired
Shyness is one of her most endearing qualities. an endearing smile
endemic belonging or native to a particular people or country b : characteristic of or prevalent
in a particular field, area, or environment
Violent crime is now endemic in parts of Chicago.
enervate to reduce the mental or moral vigor of2 : to lessen the vitality or strength of ‘
The hot sun enervated her to the point of collapse.
enfeeble to make feeble : deprive of strength
In California there was nothing new about enfeebled parties.
enjoin to direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent admonition
The organization has been enjoined to end all restrictions.
Word List 14
Ennui enormity enrage enrapture
ensconce
ensemble
entail
entangle entice entirety entrance entrée entrust entry
enunciate
environ envision epaulet ethnology
ethos
etiquette etymology
eucalyptus eulogisticeulogy euphemism euphonious evacuate evanescent
evasion evasive evenhanded evict/eviction evocative
evoke
evolve ewe
ewer
exacerbate exalt
exasperate excavate excoriate exculpate
execrable
execrate exert
exhaustive
Ennui a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction : BOREDOM
Apparently, sophistication and ennui can be easily applied with a brush.
enormity the quality or state of being huge : IMMENSITY 2.an outrageous, improper, vicious, or
immoral act
Even now, the full enormity of his crimes has not been exposed.
enrapture
to fill with delight
The orchestra played before an enraptured audience.
ensconce
SHELTER, CONCEAL2 : ESTABLISH, SETTLE
Nick was comfortably ensconced in front of the TV set.
ensemble
a group producing a single effect: as a : concerted music of two or more parts
In 1999 he took the key role of the bedridden father in the ensemble piece Magnolia.
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entail
to impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result
A new computer system entails a lot of re-training.
entice to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire : TEMPT synonyms see
LURE Our special offers are intended to entice people to buy.
entirety the state of being entire or complete
The film has been shown in its entirety for the first time.
entrance to carry away with delight, wonder, or rapture
I was entranced by the sweetness of her voice.
entry
a person, thing, or group entered in a contest 2. the act of making or entering a record3.
the act of entering : ENTRANCE4.item written in a list
It was dark and their entry into the camp had gone unnoticed.
enunciate
to make a definite or systematic statement of 2 : ARTICULATE,
PRONOUNCE
ideas that Darwin was to enunciate decades later
envision to picture to oneself
As a young teacher, I envisioned a future of educational excellence.
ethnology
a science that deals with the division of human beings into races and their
origin, distribution, relations, and characteristics
One of the classic confrontations of
nineteenth-century ethnology stemmed from this very circumstance.
ethos
the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person,
group, or institution
a community in which people lived according to an ethos of sharing and caring
eulogistic/eulogy a commendatory formal statement or set oration2 : high praise
The minister delivered a long eulogy.
euphemism the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend
or suggest something unpleasant;
'Pass away' is a euphemism for 'die'.
evacuate to remove the contents of : EMPTY2. to remove especially from a military zone or
dangerous area Several families were evacuated from their homes.
evanescent tending to vanish like vapor Talk is evanescent but writing leaves footprints.
Evasion/evasive a means of evading : DODGE2 : the act or an instance of evading : ESCAPE
He is in prison for tax evasion .
I'm tired of his lies and evasions.
evict/eviction to force out : EXPEL synonyms see EJECT
They refused to leave and were forcibly evicted
evocative/evoke
evoking or tending to evoke an especially emotional response
a picture that is wonderfully evocative of a hot, summer's day
exacerbate to make more violent, bitter, or severe
The recession has exacerbated this problem. I don't want to exacerbate the situation.
exalt
to elevate by praise or in estimation : GLORIFY
The poem was written to exalt the Roman empire.
exasperate to excite the anger of : ENRAGE b : to cause irritation or annoyance to2 to make
more grievous
It exasperates me to hear comments like that.
excavate to form a cavity or hole in
Schliemann excavated the ancient city of Troy.
excoriate to wear off the skin of : ABRADE2 : to censure scathingly
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an excoriating review in the Times
execrable/execrate deserve to be execrate, detestable ,abominable /to declare to be evil or
detestable : DENOUNCE Who would know how to decipher Canon Wheeler's execrable hand?
exert
to put forth (as strength) b : to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort
2 : to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect
Environmental groups are exerting pressure on the government to tighten pollution laws.
Exhaustive testing all possibilities or considering all elements : THOROUGH
The list is by no means exhaustive .
Word List 15
Exhort existential
exodus exonerate
exorbitant
exorcise exotic
expansive
expediency expedient
expel
expiate explicate
explosive
exponentially exposition
expository
expostulate expunge
expurgate
extant extemporize extirpation extol
extort
extraneous extrapolate extravagance extricable
extricate extrovert
exuberance exude
exult
fabricate facade facetious facile
faction
factual fad/faddish fallacious
fallow falter
familiarly
famine
fang
famish farce
fast fastidious
fathom fatten fatuity
fatuous
fawn
faze feasible feckless feign
felicitous
felon
feral
fern fertilizer fervid fervor fester
fetid
feud fiat fickle
fictitious fidget
fig
Exhort to incite by argument or advice : urge strongly
Police exhorted the crowd to remain calm.
exonerate
to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship2 : to clear from
accusation or blame
He was totally exonerated of any blame.
exorbitant
exceeding in intensity, quality, amount, or size the customary or appropriate limits
It's a nice hotel, but the prices are exorbitant.
exotic introduced from another country : not native to the place where found2 FOREIGN,
ALIEN
exotic birds from New Guinea
extol
to praise highly : GLORIFY a speech extolling the merits of free enterprise
expansive
characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk : OPEN
Hauser was in an expansive mood .
expedient
something expedient : a temporary means to an end
This solution is politically expedient but may well cause long-term problems.
expiate to put an end to2 a : to extinguish the guilt incurred by b : to make amends for
She expiated her crime by becoming a nun.
exposition
discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is
difficult to understand 2.a public exhibition or show a lucid exposition of educational theories
expository
of, relating to, or containing exposition
expostulate DISCUSS, EXAMINE : to reason earnestly with a person for purposes of
dissuasion or remonstrance
Now and again one would try to expostulate with the man in
white but it was no good; nobody was listening.
expunge to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion2 : to efface completely : DESTROY
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I wanted to expunge the memory of that first race from my mind.
expurgate
to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous;
an expurgated version of her writings
extemporize to do something extemporaneously : IMPROVISE; especially
: to speak
extemporaneously
extirpation to destroy completely : WIPE OUT b : to pull up by the root2 : to cut out by
surgery
extort to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power : WRING
Rebels extorted money from local villagers.
extraneous existing on or coming from the outside
extraneous military forces
extrapolate to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an
already observed interval
It is possible to extrapolate future developments from current
trends.
extravagance an instance of excess or prodigality; specifically : an excessive outlay of
money b : something extravagant
Would it would be too extravagant to buy both?
Extricable/extricate
UNRAVEL b : to distinguish from a related thing2 : to free or remove
from an entanglement or difficulty
the inextricable connection between language and culture
exuberance : the quality or state of being exuberant2. : extreme or excessive in degree, size, or
extent
She needs to try and control her natural exuberance.
exude
to ooze out2 : to undergo diffusion
He exuded an air of wealth and power
exult
to leap for joy2 : to be extremely joyful : REJOICE
She exulted in her new discovery.
fabricate INVENT, CREATE b : to make up for the purpose of deceptionS2 : CONSTRUCT,
MANUFACTURE;
The police were accused of fabricating evidence .
facetious joking or jesting often inappropriately : WAGGISH 2 : meant to be humorous or funny :
not serious
Don't be so facetious! a facile victory
facile
easily accomplished or attained a facile victory
The senator is known for making facile judgments on current issues.
fad/faddish a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal : CRAZE
Interest in organic food is not a fad, it's here to stay
falter
to walk unsteadily : STUMBLE b : to give way : TOTTER
My mother's grip upon the household never faltered.
fast : firmly fixed 2.the practice of fasting
Muslims fast during Ramadan.
fastidious
having high and often capricious standards : difficult to please
people who are fastidious about personal hygiene and appearance
fatuity/fatuous
: something foolish or stupid b : STUPIDITY, FOOLISHNESS
faze to disturb the composure of : DISCONCERT, DAUNT
John was embarrassed, but it didn't faze Mike a bit.
feckless WEAK, INEFFECTIVE
Alice's feckless younger brother
felicitous
very well suited or expressed : APT
a felicitous choice of candidate Lincoln's felicitous words about government
feral
of, relating to, or suggestive of a wild beast2 a : not domesticated or cultivated : WILD
An Inside Job A local authority was called out to a feral cat problem at the local prison.
fester
a suppurating sore : PUSTULE
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The dispute can be traced back to resentments which have festered for centuries.
fetid
having a heavy offensive smell
the black fetid water of the lake
fickle
marked by lack of steadfastness, constancy, or stability : given to erratic changeableness
She had been a great star once, but the fickle public now ignored her movies.
fictitious : of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction : IMAGINARY
The author fills this real town with fictitious characters.
Word List 16
Figment figurative(metaphoric) file filigree filings filth finale
finesse finicky
fiscal
flaggy flagrant flail flamboyant flange flare flask
flaunt flax
fleeting flimsy flint flip flippant flit florid
flounder flout
florescent
flustered flutter fluvial flux
foible
folly
foment foodstuff
foppish forbearance ford forebode forfeit forgery forgo
formalityforsake
forte
fortitude fortuitous
fosse
forward foyer
fracas fractious
fracture fragrant frantic fraudulent fraught freckle freight frenetic fresco
fret friable frieze
fringe frivolous frond
frothy fruition
Figment something made up or contrived
Suddenly, it seemed utterly unbelievable, a mere figment of her dreamlike state.
figurative(metaphoric) representing by a figure or resemblance : EMBLEMATIC b : of or
relating to representation of form or figure in art .He's my son, in the figurative sense of the word.
finale
the close or termination of something: as a : the last section of an instrumental musical
composition The fireworks were the grand finale of the ceremonies.
finesse refinement or delicacy of workmanship, structure, or texture2 : skillful handling of a
situation : adroit maneuvering
Dario played the sonata with great finesse.
finicky extremely or excessively nice, exacting, or meticulous in taste or standards
She's very finicky about what she eats.
flamboyant characterized by waving curves suggesting flames
Spencer lifted his arms in a flamboyant gesture .
flint a massive hard quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel
He had his great knife, a flint for striking fire, his bow, and a clutch of arrows.
flit to pass quickly or abruptly from one place or condition to another
Birds flitted about in the trees above them.
florid
covered with flowers b : very flowery in style : ORNATE
a middle-aged man with a florid complexion
flout
: to treat with contemptuous disregard : SCORN
Some companies flout the rules and employ children as young as seven.
florescent
a state or period of flourishing
I'm sorry, but fluorescent green socks are just not suitable for a job interview.
flustered to make tipsy2 : to put into a state of agitated confusion : UPSET
Paul was looking flustered and embarrassed.
flux
a continuous moving on or passing by (as of a stream)
The education system is still in a state of flux .
foible
a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior : WEAKNESS
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We all have our little foibles .
folly
lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight2 a : criminally or tragically foolish
actions or conduct Somerville bitterly regretted his folly at becoming involved.
foment to promote the growth or development of : ROUSE, INCITE
hey were accused of fomenting rebellion.
foppish FOOLISH, SILLY2 a : characteristic of a fop *a foppish dressing gown* b : behaving
or dressing in the manner of a fop foppish .
For another, what you got here is a city full of fops and only one dry cleaners.
forbearance a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that
is due
I would like to thank them for their continuing forbearance and understanding, and for
their hard work throughout the year.
ford : a shallow part of a body of water that may be crossed by wading
At any rate, Ramsay reached the Town ford relieved to find no one there.
forfeit to lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime
By being absent from the trial, he forfeited the right to appeal.
forsake to renounce or turn away from entirely She will never forsake her vegetarian
principles.
forte
one's strong point
He found that running long distances was not his forte . As a writer, her forte is comedy.
fortitude : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity
with courage Winnie is a woman of quiet fortitude who has endured a lot of suffering.
fortuitous
occurring by chance2 a : FORTUNATE, LUCKY
The meeting with Jack was fortuitous.
forward : strongly inclined : READY b : lacking modesty or reserve : BRASH
My father thinks she's far too forward for a young girl.
foyer
: an anteroom or lobby especially of a theater;
About 200 tourists were gathered in the main foyer of the White House.
fracas a noisy quarrel : BRAWL
Eight people were injured in the fracas.
frantic marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity
There was still no news of Jill, and her parents were getting frantic.
fraudulent characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : DECEITFUL
fraught : LOAD, CARGO Their marriage has been fraught with difficulties.
frenetic FRENZIED, FRANTIC
She rushes from job to job at a frenetic pace.
fret to become vexed or worried b of running water
: to become agitated 2.irrate,annoy
She's always fretting about the children.
friable easily crumbled or pulverized *friable soil*synonyms see FRAGILE
Bananas like a rich, friable soil and plenty of water.
frieze
a decoration that goes along the top of the walls of a room or a building
The triangle was centered in a bronze frieze depicting men guiding boys on golden playing fields.
fringe : an ornamental border consisting of short straight or twisted threads or strips hanging
from cut or raveled edges
a tall girl with straight brown hair and a fringe
frivolous of little weight or importance b : having no sound basis 2.lacking in seriousness b :
marked by unbecoming levityThe court discourages frivolous law suits.
frond
a large leaf (especially of a palm or fern) Give each elbow room to display its fronds.
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frothy full of or consisting of froth2 a : gaily frivolous or light in content or treatment :
INSUBSTANTIAL
Beat egg whites and sugar until whites are frothy.
fruition
: pleasurable use or possession : ENJOYMENT
Many people have worked together to bring this scheme to fruition
Word List 17
Frustrate
fulminate
fulsome fumble fumigate furor
furtive fusillade
fussy
fusty
futility gainsay gait galaxy gall galvanize
gambol
gangway garble gargantuan gargoyle garish garment garner garnish
garrulous
gaucherie
gauge
gazetteer gear
genesis genial
genteel gentry genus
genre
germane germinate
gerontocracy geyser
gibe
giddy
gild gimmick ginger girder girth
gist glade
gladiator glare
glaze
glean
glib gloss
glower glucose glut
glutinous
gnarled gnaw
gobble goblet goldbrick
gorge
gorilla
gospel gossamer
gourmand
gourmet
gracious graduated
graft
fulminate
to utter or send out with denunciation to send forth censures or invectives
Mick was fulminating against the unfairness of it all.
fulsome characterized by abundance 2. excessively complimentary or flattering : EFFUSIVE
The book contains a fulsome dedication to his wife.
fumble to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlessly
She dressed, her cold fingers fumbling with the buttons.
fumigate to apply smoke, vapor, or gas to especially for the purpose of disinfecting or of
destroying pests
The house had then to be fumigated, and Ann and 1 were in quarantine for six weeks.
furor
furious or hectic activity b : an outburst of public excitement or indignation :
UPROAR
furtive : done by stealth : SURREPTITIOUS
fussy
easily upset : IRRITABLE A lot of small children are fussy eaters
fusty
impaired by age or dampness : MOLDY2 : saturated with dust and stale odors
A number of young economists, impatient with such fusty
fusty old academics
futility the quality or state of being futile : USELESSNESS2 : a useless act or gesture
a futile attempt to save the paintings from the flames
gainsay to declare to be untrue or invalid
No one dared to gainsay him.
galaxy an assemblage of brilliant or notable persons or things
Lane was awarded a galaxy of medals for her bravery.
galvanize
to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of
stimulating physiologically The possibility of defeat finally galvanized us into action .
gangway either of the sides of the upper deck of a ship
But at last they reached the top of the crowded gangway.
garble to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning
The papers had some garbled version of the story.
gargantuan of tremendous size or volume : GIGANTIC, COLOSSAL
A gargantuan Teddy boy was standing in the stalls, looking down at his feet.
garish clothed in vivid colors2 a : excessively vivid
Many of the rugs are too garish for my taste.
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garnish DECORATE, EMBELLISH b : to add decorative or savory touches to
Fresh parsley is often used for garnishes.
garrulous
given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly
talkative
Ian isn't normally this garrulous!
gaucherie
a tactless or awkward act
It would be gauche to mention the price.
gauge
: a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system
The petrol gauge is still on full.
gear
to provide (as machinery) with gearing b : to connect by gearing
genesis the origin or coming into being of something
But more than that they imply a specific theory about the genesis of social violence.
genial favorable to growth or comfort : MILD
Dr Saito has a warm, genial manner.
genteel striving to maintain the appearance of superior or middle-class social status or
respectability
Dawson came from a genteel family.
genus
: a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common
The genus contains only a single species.
germane : closely akin2 : being at once relevant and appropriate
an article which is germane to the subject being discussed
germinate
to come into being : EVOLVE 2 : to begin to grow : SPROUT gerontocracy
The idea of setting up his own company began to germinate in his mind.
gibe
to deride or tease with taunting words2.jibe
She was tired of his cheap jibes
giddy
lightheartedly silly : FRIVOLOUS b : joyfully elated : EUPHORIC
Fiona's very pretty but a bit giddy.
gimmick a trick or something unusual that you do to make people notice someone or something used to show disapproval
A great gimmick and I wish I'd thought of it.
ginger a thickened pungent aromatic rhizome that is used as a spice and sometimes medicinally
Add a little grated fresh root ginger to the mixture, if you wish.
girder a horizontal main structural member (as in a building or bridge) that supports vertical
loads
Chord sequences register like rivets hammered into girders.
gist the main point or part : ESSENCE
The gist of his argument is that full employment is impossible.
glade
an open space surrounded by woods
A small glade ablaze with sunbeams.
gladiator a person engaged in a fight to the death as public entertainment for ancient Romans
gladiatorial combat
glare
to shine with a harsh uncomfortably brilliant light b : STAND OUT,
OBTRUDE2 : to stare angrily or fiercely
She glared at him accusingly.
The
sun
glared down on us.
glaze
to furnish or fit with glass3 : to give a smooth glossy surface to
Glaze the rolls with egg-white.
glib marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or
deceitful
All of those glib egotistical talk show hosts annoy me.
Gloss : a surface luster or brightness : SHINE This gel will add gloss to even the dullest hair.
glower to look or stare with sullen annoyance or anger She glowered at him disapprovingly.
glut an excessive quantity : OVERSUPPLY
a glut of oil on the world market
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glutinous
having the quality of glue : GUMMY
There are moments of glutinous sentiment.
glutinous mud
gnaw
to bite or chew on with the teeth Dexter gnawed his pen thoughtfully.
gobble : to swallow or eat greedily She gobbled down her lunch.
goblet : a drinking vessel (as of glass) with a foot and stem
Like twilight to a dreamer, Like a goblet of cool water to the weary
gorilla an anthropoid ape (Gorilla gorilla) of western equatorial Africa related to the
chimpanzee In chimpanzees and gorillas, the total is less than a standard sheet of typing paper.
gossamer
something light, delicate, or insubstantial
Saliva glistened on her chin like brown gossamer.
Gourmand/gourmet
one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking
peppered with gourmand bishops.
graduated
to mark with degrees of measurement b : to divide into grades or intervals
graduated rates of taxation
graft
a grafted plant b : SCION 1 c : the point of insertion of a scion upon a stock
2 a : the act of grafting b : something grafted
He promised to end graft in public life.
Martha had to have several skin grafts
Word List 18
Grandeur
granite grandiose
grate
grasping
gratification
gratify grating gravel gregarious grievous grill
grim
grimace
grin grind
gripe
grisly
gristle grit groom groove grope
grotto
grove
grovel grueling grumble grouse grouch guffaw guile
guillotine
gullible gully
gulp gum
guru
gestation
gustatory
gutter guy guzzle gyrate hack
hackneyed hale
hallowed hallucination halting hangar hangdog harass hardy harmony harrow
harry
hasten hatch
hauteur hazard hearken hearten
heckle hectic
hector hedonist heed
hegemony
heinous hem hemophilia hemorrhage
grate
to reduce to small particles by rubbing on something rough 3 : FRET, IRRITATE
Mr Fen had a loud voice that grated on her ears.
Peel and grate the potatoes.
grasping
: to take or seize eagerly2 : to clasp or embrace especially with the fingers or arms
Hanson was a hard, grasping man.
Gratification/gratify the act of gratifying : the state of being gratified
John was gratified to see the improvement in his mother's health since she had come home.
grating harsh and rasping 2.irritating and annoying
The machine began to spin faster and faster, with the grating screech of metal on metal.
gravel loose rounded fragments of rock
a gravel path.
A gravel substrate will also help, using a fine grade to avoid the fry getting stuck.
grill
to broil on a grill; also : to fry or toast on a griddle
swordfish grilled over charcoal
She never grilled her husband about his work.
grim
stern or forbidding in action or appearance the grim reality of rebuilding the
shattered town When he lost his job, his future looked grim. Millions of Britons face the grim
prospect
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grimace a facial expression usually of disgust or disapproval
She grimaced at her reflection in the mirror.
She sipped the whisky and grimaced
grin
to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter
grind
to reduce to powder or small fragments by friction 2. dreary, monotonous, or difficult
labor, study, or routine b : one who works or studies excessively
freshly ground pepper
workers emerging from their daily grind in the factory
grisly
inspiring horror or intense fear
a series of grisly murders
It is enlightening but somewhat grisly.
gristle CARTILAGE; broadly : tough cartilaginous, tendinous, or fibrous matter especially
in table meats
Still joined, the central bone was spotted with gristle and blood
grit a : SAND, GRAVEL b : a hard sharp granule
Make sure both surfaces are free from dust and grit.
groove a long narrow channel or depression2 a : a fixed routine
Our product range was stuck in a groove.
The bolt slid easily into the groove.
grope
to feel about blindly or uncertainly in search
Ginny groped for her glasses on the bedside table.
grotto CAVE2 : an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave
Harry was saying there had been a bar here in the boathouse and a grotto below.
grove
a small wood without underbrush 2. a planting of fruit or nut trees
He owns an orange grove near Tel Aviv.
grovel to creep with the face to the ground : CRAWL 2. to give oneself over to what is base or
unworthy : WALLOW I had to really grovel to the bank manager to get a loan.
grueling : trying or taxing to the point of exhaustion : PUNISHING
The cast took a break from their gruelling schedule.
grumble to mutter in discontent2 : GROWL, RUMBLE
Farmers are always grumbling about the weather.
Grouse/grouch
: a fit of bad temper b : GRUDGE, COMPLAINT
Dad's such a grouch in the morning.
guile
deceitful cunning : DUPLICITY With a little guile she might get what she
wanted.
gullible easily duped or cheated Plastic replicas of the Greek pottery are sold to gullible
tourists.
gully
a trench which was orig. worn in the earth by running water and through which water
It was noted that it bounced only once before exploding in the gully below!
gulp to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one swallow
She gulped down her breakfast and ran for the bus.
Gustation/gustatory
the act or sensation of tasting
The gestation period of a horse is about 11 months.
gutter a trough along the eaves to catch and carry off rainwater
She stepped forward into the flowing gutter and reached out to him.
guy a rope, chain, rod, or wire attached to guys is needed for the repairation
guzzle : to drink especially liquor greedily, continually, or habitually
They've been guzzling beer all evening.
hale free from defect, disease, or infirmity She's still hale and hearty at 74.
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hallowed to make holy or set apart for holy use2 : to respect greatly : VENERATE
The bones will be buried in hallowed ground .
halting marked by a lack of sureness or effectiveness
We carried on a rather halting conversation.
hardy BOLD, BRAVE 2. capable of withstanding adverse conditions3.be able to endures cold
A few hardy joggers were out running in the cold.
Charolais cattle do not like rain or too much cold. They are not hardy animals
harrow to inflict great distress or torment on
I drank at stone, at iron of plough and harrow
harry
: to make a pillaging or destructive raid on : ASSAULT
He looks harried from having had to push his way through to reach me.
hasten to urge on
Their departure was hastened by an abnormally cold winter.
hauteur ARROGANCE, HAUGHTINESS
The crack in Crack Wars is between its hauteur and its need to be hip.
hearken LISTEN2 : to give respectful attention
There was uncertainty in his voice, though, and later Theresa hearkened to this.
hearten
to give heart to : CHEER
The administration was heartened by the U.N. vote.
heckle to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes : BADGER
The speaker was heckled by a group of protestors.
hectic of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever 2. characterized by activity,
the hectic flush on her cheeks
excitement, or confusion
I've had a pretty hectic day.
hector to intimidate or harass by bluster or personal pressure
Brooks had hectored employees who refused to work overtime
a hectoring tone of voice
heed
to pay attention
If she had only heeded my warnings , none of this would have happened.
hegemony
preponderant influence or authority over others : DOMINATION
Are we always to be part of the Ankh-Morpork hegemony?
heinous hatefully or shockingly evil : ABOMINABLE
The food in the cafeteria is pretty heinous.
hem to surround in a restrictive manner
The gun hangs down below the hem of her skirt.
hemorrhage a copious discharge of blood from the blood vessels
Acute cerebellar hemorrhage or infarction often presents with vertigo and headache.
Word List 19
Hemostat
herbivorous hereditary heresy heretic hermetic herpetologist
heterodox
hew hiatus hidebound hie hideous hieroglyph highbrow
hike
hirsute histology hitherto hoard hoary
hoax
hodgepodge
hold holster homage homiletics
homogenous hone
honorarium
hoodwink
hoof
horn
hortative hospitable
hovel
hubris
huckster hulk hull humdrum
humor hunch hurdle hush
husk
husky hybrid hymn
hymn
hyperactivity hyperbole
hypotenuse
hyphen hypocrite
hysteria icon
idolater idyll
igneous ignite
ignoble ignominy
illegal illicit
illuminate
illusion illusive illusory
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imbibe imbroglio
imbue illuminati
immanent
imminent
immolate
immure imp impact impale
herbivorous feeding on plants
If the ground is covered with snow, how does this affect the herbivores?
hereditary
: genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring
It was rather a kind of oligarchy, with a strong hereditary element in its composition.
Heresy/heretic
adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma
To come to work without a shirt and tie was considered heresy. He was executed for heresy.
hermetic AIRTIGHT *hermetic seal* b : impervious to external influence
Each is a hermetically sealed universe, bumping off the others with very little cross-pollination.
herpetologist a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians
hew : to cut with blows of a heavy cutting instrument 2 CONFORM, ADHERE
often used in
the phrase hew to the line
They hewed a huge cross from a tree.
hidebound having an inflexible or ultraconservative character , 2.narrow mind
hidebound reactionary
Football is often hidebound by facts.
hie to walk quickly 2.hasten
hideous offensive to the senses and especially to sight : exceedingly uglys2 : morally offensive :
Her face was hideously scarred.
SHOCKING
Dinnertime that day was hideous.
hieroglyph : a character used in a system of hieroglyphic writing
The language was foreign, the writing a cloud of indecipherable hieroglyphics.
hike
: to go on a hike b : to travel by any means2 : to rise up
The president has proposed a hike in the minimum wage.
His dream is to hike the Appalachian Trail.
hirsute HAIRY 1; especially : covered with coarse stiff hairs
Not that Polly's legs had been particularly hirsute in the old days
histology a branch of anatomy that deals with the minute structure of animal and plant tissues as
discernible with the microscope
hitherto up to this or that time a species of fish hitherto unknown in the West
hoard a supply or fund stored up and often hidden away .the discovery of a hoard of gold
coins
hoary
gray or white with or as if with age2 : extremely old : ANCIENT
Not that hoary old chestnut (=old idea, joke, remark etc) again.
hoax
to trick into believing or accepting as genuine something false and often
preposterous ,dupe
The UFO sightings were revealed to be a hoax.
Hold
the interior of a ship below decks
he’s down to the hold to fetch some food.
homage expression of high regard : RESPECT often used with pay
The film pays homage to Martin Scorsese's 'Mean Streets'.
homiletics
: the art of preaching
honorarium a payment for a service (as making a speech) on which custom or propriety forbids
a price to be set
And for their time, they receive an honorarium of $ 5,040.
hoodwink
to deceive by false appearance : DUPE
Could we have been hoodwinked all the way?
hoof
a hoofed foot especially of a horse
The sound of a horse in harness, of its hoof idly striking a stone!
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hortative giving exhortation : ADVISORY He gave she some hortative word and then vanished
hospitable
given to generous and cordial reception of guests 2. readily receptive : OPEN
The local people were very kind and hospitable.
hovel
a small, wretched, and often dirty house : HUT
He thought of Hob dying in his hovel, his wife frightened of the future.
huckster : HAWKER, PEDDLER2 : one who produces promotional material for commercial
clients especially for radio or television After all, no greedy hucksters could steal or plunder
them.
humdrum
MONOTONOUS, DULL
the prisoners' humdrum routine
hunch a strong intuitive feeling concerning especially a future event or result
My hunch is that she's his mother.
hurdle an artificial barrier over which racers must leap
Finding enough money for the project was the first hurdle.
hush
SILENT, STILL Hush, now. Try to get to sleep.
husk
: a usually dry or membranous outer covering
His drug addiction had turned him into a husk of his former self.
husky hoarse with or as if with emotion 'Come quickly,' she said in a husky whisper
hyperbole
extravagant exaggeration
It was not hyperbole to call it the worst storm in twenty years.
hypocrite
a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
He was also a hypocrite, a puritan, and a racist.
idolater a worshiper of idols2 : a person that admires intensely and often blindly one that is not
usually a subject of worship
igneous/ignite of, relating to, or resembling fire : FIERY
ignoble of low birth or common origin : PLEBEIAN2 : characterized by baseness, lowness, or
meanness
ignoble feelings of intense jealousy
ignominy
deep personal humiliation and disgrace
He feared the ignominy of being exposed as a spy.
illicit
not permitted : UNLAWFUL
the illicit trade in stolen cattle
imbibe to receive into the mind and retain *imbibe moral principles* b : to assimilate or take
into solution
She had imbibed the traditions of her family.
imbroglio
a confused mass2 a : an intricate or complicated situation
The imbroglio brought out the Sicilian in me.
illuminati
persons who are or who claim to be unusually enlightened
immanent
having existence or effect only within the mind or consciousness2. seems to
be present everywhere
Love is a force immanent in the world.
imminent
ready to take place; especially : hanging threateningly over one's head
He was in imminent danger of dying.
immolate
A suicide squad was formed of women ready to immolate
immure to enclose within or as if within walls b : IMPRISON2 : to build into a wall;
Word List 20
Impart impassioned impeach impassive
impecunious impenitent imperative
impermanent impersonate impertinence impervious impetus impinge implore
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implausible
imponderable implode importune
imposing impostor imposture
impresario imprint improvident impudent
impugn impuissance
inadvertently inaugural
inaugurate incandescence
incantation
incarnate
incense inception inchoate incinerate
incise
inclement
incogitant
incongruity incorrigibility incubus inculcate inculpate incumbent
incumbent indefatigable indelible indemnify
indent indenture
indices
indigence
indigent indoctrinate indolent indulged indurate ineffable
ineffectual induction
Impart to give, convey, or grant from or as if from a store
She had information that she couldn't wait to impart.
impassioned filled with passion or zeal : showing great warmth or intensity of feeling
She appeared on television to make an impassioned plea for help.
impeach to bring an accusation against b : to charge with a crime or misdemeanor
The governor was impeached for using state funds improperly.
impecunious having very little or no money usually habitually : PENNILESS
He came from a respectable if impecunious family.
imperative not to be avoided or evaded : NECESSARY
It is imperative to meet face to face with the client.
impersonate : to assume or act the character of : PERSONATE
Do you know it is a very serious offence to impersonate a police officer?
impertinence : the quality or state of being impertinent: as a :, inappropriateness
You are an impertinent young woman.
He was always asking impertinent questions.
impervious not allowing entrance or passage :
His ego was impervious to self-doubt.
impetus a driving force : IMPULSE The report may provide further impetus for reform.
impinge to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision 2.infringe, encroach
Personal problems experienced by students may impinge on their work.
implausible : not plausible : provoking disbelief
It's not entirely implausible that a galaxy could be identical to our own
imponderable not ponderable : incapable of being weighed or evaluated with exactness
There are too many imponderables to make an accurate prediction.
implode to collapse inward as if from external pressure;
The windows on both sides of the room had imploded.
Importune to press or urge with troublesome persistence b archaic : to request or beg for
urgently
imposing impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur
He's a tall, quietly spoken, but imposing figure.
impostor one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception
The nurse was soon discovered to be an impostor.
Imposture
one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception
impresario the promoter, manager, or conductor of an opera or concert company2 : a person
who puts on or sponsors an entertainment
She was the publicist for a syndicate of galleries in Soho, an impresario of special events.
imprint to mark by or as if by pressure : IMPRESS
the imprint of her hand on the soft
sand
At its summit is a boulder with a hollow resembling the imprint of a man's foot.
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improvident : not provident : not foreseeing and providing for the future
impudent
lacking modesty2 : marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard
of others : INSOLENT He stared at me with a mixture of impudence and hostility.
impugn : to assail by words or arguments : oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity
I did not mean to impugn her professional abilities.
inadvertently not focusing the mind on a matter : INATTENTIVE2 : UNINTENTIONAL
Viruses can be spread inadvertently by email users.
incandescence
emission by a hot body of radiation that makes it visible
the invention of the incandescent lamp
incantation a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic
a book of spells and incantations
incarnate
invested with bodily and especially human nature and form b : made manifest or
The media cast him as the devil incarnate
incense the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned 2. to arouse the extreme
anger or indignation of
a church filled with the smell of incense
Spectators were incensed by the referee's decision.
inception an act, process, or instance of beginning : COMMENCEMENT
a CD collection covering the band from its inception in 1994
inchoate being only partly in existence or operation; especially
: imperfectly formed or
formulated
Problems in criminal law often start with an inchoate crime - conspiracy, attempt or incitement.
incinerate
to cause to burn to ashes
All the infected clothing was incinerated.
inclement
lacking mildness: as a archaic
: severe in temper or action :
UNMERCIFUL b : physically severe : STORMY Predictions of inclement weather proved to
be wrong.
incogitant
: THOUGHTLESS, INCONSIDERATE
incorrigibility incapable of being corrected or amended: as a (1) : not reformable : DEPRAVED
inculcate
to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
I try to inculcate a sense of responsibility in my children
inculpate INCRIMINATE to charge with or show evidence or proof of involvement in a crime or
fault
incumbent the holder of an office or ecclesiastical benefice2 : OCCUPANT
In the June elections, Morris easily defeated the incumbent, Tom Smith.
indefatigable incapable of being fatigued : UNTIRING
indelible that cannot be removed, washed away, or erased
Her words left an indelible impression on me for years to come.
indemnify
to make compensation to for incurred hurt, loss, or damage
They guaranteed to indemnify him against any financial loss.
Indent/indenture to divide (a document) so as to produce sections with irregular edges that can
be matched for authentication
indentured servants
But for now you stay here, examine the indenture, reflect on what you have said.
indigent /Indigence
a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are
suffered and comforts of life are wholly lacking
indigenous
native
Poverty was merely the lot of the indigent.
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indolent causing little or no pain b : slow to develop or heal
indulge to yield to the desire of : HUMOR b : to treat with excessive leniency, generosity, or
consideration
His mother spoiled him, indulging his every whim.
indurate : physically or morally hardened
ineffable incapable of being expressed in words : INDESCRIBABLE
ineffectual
not producing the proper or intended effect : FUTILE
She remembered her ineffectual efforts to comfort him.
Word List 21
Inflate
inflamed inflammation informed infraction
infringe infuriate ingenious
innuendo
ingest
ingestion ingrate ingratiate
inhibit inhumane
inimical iniquitous
iniquity injunction
inkling innocence
inoculate
inquisitive
inroad inscrutable insidious
insignia insinuate insolence
insipid insomnia insouciant
inspection
inspiration instigate insubstantial
insular insularity
insulin insurgent
insurrection intellectual intent
inter
intercede
intercept intercessor interdict interim interjection
interlude intermission intermittent intern internecine
Inflate : to swell or distend with air or gas
It took us half an hour to inflate the dinghy.
Inflamed/inflammation a part of your body that is inflamed is red and swollen, because it is
injured or infected
an inflamed eye an inflamed left knee
Infringe/infraction
the act of infringing : VIOLATION ；to encroach upon in a way that
violates law or the rights of another
A backup copy of a computer program does not infringe copyright.
infuriate to make furious : exhibiting or goaded by anger (2) : indicative of or proceeding from
anger
It infuriated him that Beth was with another man.
ingenuous
showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness b : lacking craft or
subtlety
innuendo
an oblique allusion : HINT, INSINUATION
His writing is full of sexual innuendoes. a campaign based on rumour, innuendo, and gossip
Ingest/ingestion the action, process, or power of digesting:
Ingrate/ ingratiate to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort His policy is to
ingratiate himself with anyone who might be useful to him.
inhibit to prohibit from doing something An unhappy family life may inhibit children's
learning.
inimical being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence
conditions inimical to development
iniquitous/iniquity characterized by iniquity synonyms see VICIOUS
an iniquitous system of taxation
inkling a slight indication or suggestion : HINT, CLUE
I had an inkling that she was pregnant.
inoculate to protect as if by inoculation synonyms see INFUSE
All the children had been inoculated against hepatitis.
inquisitive
inclined to ask questions; especially : inordinately or improperly curious about
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the affairs of others
I'd have asked more questions, but I didn't want to seem inquisitive.
inroad a sudden hostile incursion : RAID
Video is making huge inroads into attendance figures at movie theaters
inscrutable not readily investigated, interpreted, or understood : MYSTERIOUS
He handled the questions with the inscrutable face of a diplomat.
insidious
more dangerous than seems evident
A more insidious form of water pollution is chemicals used on farms that get into the water
supply.
insignia a badge of authority or honor Someone had spray-painted gang insignia on his car.
insinuate to introduce (as an idea) gradually or in a subtle, indirect, or covert way
Are you insinuating that the money was stolen?
insomnia prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep
My mother was alarmed by my fits of weeping and chronic insomnia.
insouciant
lighthearted unconcern : NONCHALANCE
For all her apparent insouciance, she was desperately unhappy.
divine supremely good : SUPERB
instigate to goad or urge forward : PROVOKE Charles instigated a programme of reforms.
insubstantial not substantial: as a : lacking substance or material nature b : lacking firmness
or solidity : FLIMSY
insubstantial ghosts
insurgent
rising in opposition to civil authority or established leadership :
REBELLIOUS
communist insurgents He blamed Hutu insurgents from Gisenyi for some of the violence.
insurrection an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government
synonyms see REBELLION
an armed insurrection against the party in power
inter
to deposit (a dead body) in the earth or in a tomb
Fieldmice and hawks are interred at Buto.
intercede
to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences : MEDIATE
My good friend, Senator Bowie, interceded with the authorities on my behalf.
intercept to stop, seize, or interrupt in progress or course or before arrival
an attempt to intercept drugs being smuggled over the border
intercessor the act of interceding
interdict to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner3 : to destroy, damage, or cut off
Now that the threat of interdict had been made public Henry began to negotiate more seriously.
interim an intervening time : INTERVAL
He was appointed president until an interim government was established.
interjection a : a word or phrase used in exclamation (as Heavens! Dear me!)
interlude : a usually short simple play or dramatic entertainment
a brief interlude of peace before a return to the battlefield
intermission the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted
After the first two films there was an intermission.
intermittent coming and going at intervals : not continuous
The weather forecast is for sun, with intermittent showers.
intern an advanced student or graduate usually in a professional field 2. to confine or impound
especially during a war
Seven hundred men were interned in the camps.
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Word List 22
Interplay
interpolate
interrogate interregnum interview
intersect
intertwine
intimate intimidate
intoxicate intractable intransigent intrepid
intricacy intrigue introspective intrude intuition inundate
invective inveigh
inveigle inveterate
invidious invigorate
inviolable
involuntary
iodine irascible
irate
ire iridescent
irk irreducible irremediable
irrevocable irritable isolate isotope itinerant itinerary jade jaded
jagged
jamb
jaundice jaunt
jealousy jeer jejune jerk jeopardize
jest jocular
jocund jibe jigsaw puzzle
jockey jog jolt jot jovial
jubilation
judicious juggernaut jurisdiction justification juvenile juxtapose
kaleidoscopes kindle kinetic knack knave kneed kudos labile
labored
lacerate lachrymose lackadaisical lackluster
laconic lactic
lair
lambaste laity lament
interrogate to question formally and systematically
The police interrogated the suspect for several hours.
interregnum the time during which a throne is vacant between two successive reigns or regimes
intersect
: to pierce or divide by passing through or across : cut CROSS
The plain is intersected by a network of canals.
intertwine
to twine about one another; also : to become mutually involved
he problems of crime and unemployment are closely intertwined.
intimidate
: to make timid or fearful : FRIGHTEN; especially : to compel or deter by or
as if by threats
They tried to intimidate the young people into voting for them.
Intoxicate
POISON a : to excite or stupefy by alcohol or a drug 2.exict sb greatly
The driver was clearly intoxicated.
He rapidly became intoxicated with his own power.
intractable
not easily governed, managed, or directed : OBSTINATE
2 : not easily manipulated or wrought the seemingly intractable problem of human greed
intransigent refusing to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude :
UNCOMPROMISING
He accused the government of intransigence.
intrepid characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance
intrepid explorers Intrepid pioneers came to California by wagon train.
intrigue CHEAT, TRICK2 : to accomplish by intrigue 2. t seems strange or mysterious
While King Richard was abroad, the barons had been intriguing against him.
introspective a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
a shy and introspective person
inundate
to cover with a flood : OVERFLOW
After the broadcast, we were inundated with requests for more information.
invective of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse
He let out a stream of invective.
inveigh to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently : RAIL
inveterate
firmly established by long persistence 2 : confirmed in a habit : HABITUAL
invidious tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy
By innocently lying to detectives, she'd put herself in an invidious position .
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invigorate
to give life and energy to : ANIMATE; also : STIMULATE 1
At my age, the walk into town is enough to invigorate me.
involuntary done contrary to or without choice2 : COMPULSORY3 : not subject to control of
the will : REFLEX
When Willie tapped on a window, Miguel gave an involuntary jump.
irascible
marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger
an irascible old man
irate
roused to ire 2 : arising from anger
A good telephone voice can do much to improve the temper of irate or unhappy callers.
irk to make weary, irritated, or bored synonyms see ANNOY
Luna never told me what irked her that Sunday morning.
itinerary the route of a journey or tour or the proposed outline of one
His itinerary would take him from Bordeaux to Budapest.
jagged to cut indentations into; also : to form teeth on (a saw) by cutting indentations
Slabs irregularly cut with jagged lines where sections had dropped off.
jaundice a state or attitude characterized by satiety, distaste, or hostility
These included five reported deaths with jaundice in Northern Ireland.
Jaunt
to make a usually short journey for pleasure
And that's all we brought back from this expensive jaunt of ours, boy.
jeer to speak or cry out with derision or mockery
The President was booed and jeered by a crowd of protesters.
jejune lacking nutritive value *2 : devoid of significance or interest : DULL
jejune political opinions
jest : an utterance (as a jeer or quip) intended to be taken as mockery or humor
I wasn't sure whether to treat her words as a jest.
jocular given to jesting : habitually jolly or jocund He sounded in a jocular mood.
jocund marked by or suggestive of high spirits and lively mirthfulness
jibe to be in accord : AGREE
She was tired of his cheap jibes.
His report did not jibe with the facts.
jot : to write briefly or hurriedly : set down in the form of a note
Let me jot down your number and I'll call you tomorrow.
jovial
markedly good-humored especially as evidenced by jollity and conviviality
He addressed me in a jovial manner.
jubilation
an act of rejoicing : the state of being jubilant2 : an expression of great joy
There was jubilation that a local team had come first.
judicious having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment : DISCREET
You have to be very judicious about how you spend the taxpayers' money
juggernaut a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever
is in its path His main challenge now is to try to compete with a juggernaut.
juxtapose
to place side by side
a style of decor that juxtaposes antiques with modern furniture
knead : to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands
Knead the dough for three minutes.
lacerate : to tear or rend roughly
His fingers were badly lacerated by the broken glass.
lackadaisical lacking life, spirit, or zest : LANGUID
David has a rather lackadaisical approach to his work.
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lair a resting or sleeping place : BED
a smuggler's lair
lament to mourn aloud : WAIL The nation lamented the death of its great war leader.
Word List 23
Lampoon
lance
lancet landfill landlocked landslide languid languor lank
Lap larder largess lark lassitude lasso
lateral latitude lave lavish laxative
leakage leaven ledger leer leery
legerdemain legion legislate leniency
lethal
lethargic levee
levity
lexicography libel
libertine liberty libretto
liberality
licentious
lien ligneous limber limerick limousine
limp
limn
linoleum
lint lionize lissome list listless lithe
litigant/litigation litter
loath
loathe lobe lope lode loll long-winded loon
lopsided loutish lounge lug ludicrous
lukewarm
lull lumber lumen
lurch
lurid
lurk
lush
lustrous
luxuriant
Lampoon
SATIRE 1; specifically : a harsh satire
The Prime Minister was frequently lampooned in political cartoons.
languid sluggish in character or disposition : LISTLESS
He greeted Charles with a languid wave of his hand.
languor weakness or weariness of body or mind2 : listless indolence or inertia
Lying there beside her, he was filled with an agreeable languor.
lank
not well filled out : SLENDER, THIN *lank cattle*
The powder will absorb any grease making your hair look less lank.
Lap to take in food or drink with the tongue
I lapped at the warm, rich blood; very nice, very fresh.
larder place where food is stored : PANTRY
And the larder was locked again.
lark to engage in harmless fun or mischief
often used with
A couple of boys were larking about in the pool.
laxative having a tendency to loosen or relax;
People who use senna can also become addicted to its laxative effects.
leaven a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid
A piece of dough was kept back after using the yeast and this is called leaven.
legerdemain SLEIGHT OF HAND2 : a display of skill or adroitness
This kind of
legal legerdemain is one of the most damaging legacies of the takeover binge of the 1980s.
legion Soon, a legion of foreign reporters were on the scene.
Leniency/ lenient exerting a soothing or easing influence : relieving pain or stress2 : of mild and
tolerant disposition; especially : INDULGENT
the trend towards greater leniency for most offenders
lethal
of, relating to, or causing death
These chemicals are lethal to fish.
lethargic
of, relating to, or characterized by lethargy : SLUGGISH
The hot weather was making us all lethargic.
levee
an embankment for preventing flooding
Many islands are below sea level and only the levees prevent them from vanishing.
lexicography the editing or making of a dictionary
poke fun at the authoritative pronouncements of mainstream lexicography.
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libel
: a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly
unfavorable impression
Holt sued the newspaper for libel .
liberality
the quality or state of being liberal; also : an instance of this
In short, the government's liberality turned universities into a powder-keg.
licentious
lacking legal or moral restraints; especially
: disregarding sexual
restraints
As for the notion of canvassing his licentious friends, it was out of the question.
lien a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily
arising by operation of law
The owner can still sell the goods even though they are in
possession of the repairer who is exercising his lien.
ligneous of or resembling wood
limber : capable of being shaped : FLEXIBLE
So she walked to limber her muscles.
Limp
to walk lamely; especially : to walk favoring one leg
Moreno limped off the field with a foot injury.
Limn
to draw or paint on a surface2 : to outline in clear sharp detail
linoleum
a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of
solidified
I played imaginary checkers on the linoleum grid of the barbershop floor.
lissome : easily flexed b : LITHE 2
the girl's lissome figure
list to tilt to one side
litigant/litigation one engaged in a lawsuit
Such men spoke in court on behalf of litigants and also stood surety for them when required.
litter
trash, wastepaper, or garbage lying scattered about 2. the offspring at one birth of a
multiparous animal
a litter of kittens People who drop litter can be fined in some cities.
loath
unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking : RELUCTANT
Sarah was loath to tell her mother what had happened.
loathe to dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance : DETEST
I absolutely loathe shopping.
loll to hang loosely or laxly : DROOP
He lolled back in his chair.
long-winded tediously long in speaking or writing2 : not easily subject to loss of breath
The whole process is incredibly long-winded.
lopsided : leaning to one side2 : lacking in balance, symmetry
a lopsided 8-0 victory
a lopsided vote on the abortion bill
loutish resembling or befitting a lout rude
Only a lout would treat a woman that way.
lounge to act or move idly or lazily : LOAF 2. a place for lounging: as a : a room in a private
home or public building for leisure occupations the airport's departure lounge
lug : to pull with effort : TUG
It's a huge book, not something you'd like to lug around.
ludicrous
amusing or laughable through obvious absurdity, incongruity, exaggeration, or
eccentricity
It is ludicrous to suggest that I was driving under the influence of alcohol.
lukewarm
moderately warm : TEPID
She sipped some lukewarm coffee from her mug.
lull to cause to sleep or rest 2. : a temporary pause or decline in activity
The hum of the tyres on the road lulled her to sleep.
lurch
to stagger
Sam hit the gas and the car lurched forward.
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lurid
shining with the red glow of fire seen 2.unnaturally bright
He told me in lurid detail what would happen to me.
a lurid orange dress
lurk to be concealed but capable of being discovered;
a dark formless danger, lurking in the shadows
lush growing very well
The fields were lush with grass and flowers.
lustrous having luster ; bright
Her hair was beautifully dark and lustrous.
luxuriant
yielding abundantly : FERTILE, FRUITFUL b : characterized by abundant
growth
Fair-haired with a luxuriant drooping moustache.
Word List 24
Macabre macerate machination maculated
madrigal maelstrom magenta
magnanimous
magnificent magpie magnitude maize
malaise
malapropism malevolent malfeasance malicious
malign malinger
malleable
mangle mania manifest mantle mansion manumit manure
mar mare
margarine marionette maroon marshal marsupial
masticate
maternal mattress maudlin maul
mauve maven
maverick
mawkish meager measly meddle mediocre
meditate medley
meek
meet
meld
melodrama mellifluous membrane menace
mendacious mendicant
menthol
mentor mercurial
meretricious
metabolism metaphor
metaphysical mete
meticulous metropolis
Macabre dwelling on the gruesome
These drawings of the dead are moving rather than macabre.
macerate
to cause to become soft or separated into constituent elements by or as if by
steeping in fluid; broadly : STEEP, SOAK
machination a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually
evil He typified a decade in which financial machinations stymied long-term corporate growth.
maculated
marked with spots : BLOTCHED
madrigal
a medieval short lyrical poem in a strict poetic form
A heavily revised version of this madrigal was included in Morley's collection.
magenta
a deep purplish red
Although it is summer, she is wearing magenta stockings and black shoes with delicate straps.
magnificent : great in deed or exalted in place 2 : marked by stately grandeur and lavishness
The twelve-mile coastline has magnificent scenery.
magnitude the importance, quality, or caliber of something3 : a number representing the
intrinsic or apparent brightness of a celestial body on a logarithmic scale
They didn't seem to appreciate the magnitude of the problem.
malaise an indefinite feeling of debility or lack of health often indicative of or accompanying the
onset of an illness a general malaise within society
There is a restlessness, a malaise, among the workers.
malapropism the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase;
In spite of his inane malapropisms, he can talk circles around everyone else in the book.
malfeasance wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official
Charged with malfeasance, he pleaded carelessness.
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malicious
given to, marked by, or arising from malice
I think I know who is responsible for these malicious rumours.
malign to utter injuriously misleading or false reports about : speak evil of
She had seen herself repeatedly maligned in the newspapers.
malleable
capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces or influences b :
having a capacity for adaptive change
A malleable metal can be beaten into a sheet whereas a ductile metal can be drawn out into a wire.
manifest
: a list of passengers or an invoice of cargo for a vehicle (as a ship or plane) 2.
easily understood or recognized by the mind : OBVIOUS
the ship's cargo manifest
His illness began to manifest itself at around this time.
mantle a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes : CLOAK
A mantle of snow lay on the trees.
manumit
to release from slavery synonyms see FREE
manure material that fertilizes land; especially : refuse of stables and barnyards
A further disadvantage is the work involved in returning the manure to the field.
Mar to detract from the perfection or wholeness of : SPOIL
A frown marred his handsome features.
margarine
a food product made usually from vegetable oils churned with ripened skim milk to
a smooth emulsion and used like butter
Add the margarine or butter and rub in with your hands or blend for a few seconds.
marionette a small-scale usually wooden figure
Perry, in a fishing jacket, moving like a marionette that swallowed a pneumatic drill.
masticate
to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth in preparation for
swallowing : CHEW 2. to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading
I made a wad out of the young leaves and twigs and tried to masticate slowly.
maudlin drunk enough to be emotionally silly2 : weakly and effusively sentimental
Sir Ralph was becoming maudlin after his third glass of claret.
maul
BEAT, BRUISE2 : MANGLE 13 : to handle roughly
A mentally ill man was mauled after climbing into the lions’ enclosure at London Zoo
maven one who is experienced or knowledgeable
A food maven could also be called a gourmet.
mawkish
having an insipid often unpleasant taste2 : sickly or puerilely sentimental
The movie is set to a mawkish score.
mediocre
of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance : ORDINARY, SO-SO
I thought the book was pretty mediocre.
meditate to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over
She sat quietly, meditating on the day's events.
medley a musical composition made up of a series of songs or short pieces
He played a medley of Beatles songs.
meek
: enduring injury with patience and without resentment : MILD
He was always so meek and mild .
membrane a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin
Loud noise can damage the delicate membrane in the ear.
menace : to make a show of intention to harm
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It's the only way to deal with the menace of drug dealing.
mendacious given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolute
truth
a secretive and mendacious government
mendicant
BEGGAR
The rich man who deludes himself into behaving like a
mendicant may conserve his fortune although he will not be very happy
menthol
a crystalline alcohol C10H20O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor
and cooling properties of peppermint
No aromatic oils, vapour rubs, smelly nasal decongestants like menthol or eucalyptus etc.
mentor a trusted counselor or guide b : TUTOR, COACH
Auden later became a friend and mentor.
meretricious tawdrily and falsely attractive
A more simplistic
or
more
meretricious film would have played those two worlds against each other.
Metaphysical/ metaphysics the system of principles underlying a particular study or subject :
PHILOSOPHY 3b
A lot of scientists don't like discussing metaphysical matters.
mete
: BOUNDARY 2. to give out by measure : DOLE
usually used with out
Judges are meting out increasingly harsh sentences for car theft.
meticulous marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details
Their planning and preparation were meticulous.
Word List 25
Mettle microscope miff
mighty milk
minaret minatory mince miniature
minion minnow mint
minuet minuscule
minutes minutia mirage
mire
mirth
misanthrope miscreant
miser
misgiving
misperceive
misrepresent mnemonics moat
mode
modicum
mogul molar
moldy mollify mollycoddle molt
momentous momentum mongrel
monocle monogamy monolithic monologue monomania monsoon
monumental moratorium morbid mordant mores moribund
morsel
mortar mortalitymortification/mortify mortuary
motley/mottled
movement
muffle mulish mumble mundane
munificence munition murky
muse
musket muster mutate mutineer
myopia myriad
Mettle vigor and strength of spirit or temperament
a crisis which will test the prime minister's mettle
miff
a trivial quarrel
mighty possessing might : POWERFUL2 : accomplished or characterized by might
The cannon explodes with a mighty crack.
milk
to draw or coerce profit or advantage from illicitly or to an extreme degree : EXPLOIT
Their landlord regularly milks them for extra money by claiming for damage to his property.
minaret a tall slender tower of a mosque
But the shimmering white minaret, and the impressive dome,
minatory having a menacing quality : THREATENING
But the minatory eyes weren't fixed on this latest scientific wonder; they were fixed on Brenda.
miniature
: being or represented on a small scale
He looked like a miniature version of his father.
minion a servile dependent, follower, or underling
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I was shown into the office by one of her minions.
minuscule
very small
Her office is minuscule.
minutes the official record of the proceedings of a meeting
minutia a minute or minor detail usually used in plural
Most people are not interested in the minutiae of the research, just its conclusions.
mirage something illusory and unattainable like a mirage
Perhaps we are just chasing a mirage.
mire
wet spongy earth (as of a bog or marsh)2 : heavy often deep mud or slush
The Party sank deeper into the mire of conflict.
mirth
gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter
Her body began to shake with mirth.
misanthrope a person who hates or distrusts mankind
miscreant
one who behaves criminally or viciously
miser
a mean grasping person; especially : one who is extremely stingy with money
Everyone said Mr Henny was a miser who had thousands of pounds hidden under his bed.
misgiving
to suggest doubt or fear to
: to be fearful or apprehensive
Despite her misgivings about leaving the baby, she decided to accompany her husband.
misrepresent to give a false or misleading representation of usually with an intent to deceive or
be unfair
These statistics grossly misrepresent the reality.
moat
: a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place
It
was
surrounded by a 100-foot-wide moat, crossed by causeways lined by statues of soldiers and
elephants.
modicum
a small portion : a limited quantity
And just a modicum of elegant shafting.
a modicum of common sense
molar a tooth with a rounded or flattened surface adapted for grinding;
And so what if her dentures are a few molars short of the set.
moldy of, resembling, or covered with a mold-producing fungus
The toxin produced by the fungus grows in moldy feed.
mollycoddle a pampered or effeminate man or boy
He had been mollycoddled as a young boy.
molt
: to shed hair, feathers, shell, horns, or an outer layer periodically
Their hair was in raggedy patches, for they were molting their thick winter coats
momentous IMPORTANT, CONSEQUENTIAL
His colleagues all recognized that this was a momentous occasion .
momentum strength or force gained by motion or through the development of events :
IMPETUS
Pratt, without losing any momentum at all, passed them both and won the race.
monocle : an eyeglass for one eye
He lit a fresh cigarette, screwed his monocle more firmly into his eye, and took out his pen.
monogamy the condition or practice of having a single mate during a period of time
Monogamy is rare in most animal groups, but is common among birds.
monomania mental illness especially when limited in expression to one idea or area of thought
an obsession with food that verged on monomania
monsoon
a periodic wind especially in the Indian Ocean and southern Asia
No tropical monsoon could stop them.
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moratorium a legally authorized period of delay in the performance of a legal obligation or the
payment of a debt
a two-year moratorium on interest payments
morbid of, relating to, or characteristic of disease
The trip was made all the worse by Frankie’s morbid fear of flying.
mordant biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : INCISIVE
The play's mordant comedy makes for compelling viewing.
moribund
being in the state of dying : approaching death2 : being in a state of inactivity
or obsolescence
The patient was moribund by the time the doctor arrived.
morsel a small piece of food : BITE
Two gulls were fighting over a morsel of food.
mortar a strong vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle
You'll need a pestle and mortar to grind the spices.
mortalitythe quality or state of being mortal
Mortality from heart disease varies widely across the world.
mortification/mortify to subject to severe and vexing
As a teenager, making any mistake socially would have mortified me
mortuary
a place in which dead bodies are kept until burial
The next day she located his body at a mortuary.
motley/mottled
variegated in color
His pockets contained a motley collection of coins, movie ticket stubs, and old candies.
mulish unreasonably and inflexibly obstinate George could sometimes be almost mulish!
mundane
characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary : COMMONPLACE 2. of,
relating to, or characteristic of the world
The mundane task of setting the table can be fun on holidays.
munificence very liberal in giving or bestowing : LAVISH2 : characterized by great liberality or
generosity
the munificence of the museum's benefactors
munition RAMPART, DEFENSE2 : ARMAMENT, AMMUNITION
Artillery munitions were an even larger problem.
murky characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by
overhanging fog or smoke2 : characterized by thickness and heaviness of air : FOGGY, MISTY
The laws on intellectual property are murky.
muse
to become absorbed in thought
He mused on how different his life would have been, had he not met Louisa.
muster : to cause to gather : CONVENE
Senator Newbolt has been trying to muster support for his proposals.
mutate to undergo mutation to cause to undergo mutation
Simple organisms like bacteria mutate rapidly.
mutineer
one that mutinies He was a rebel without a cause, a born mutineer.
myopia a condition in which the visual images come to a focus in front of the retina of the eye
If the myopia is of high degree the vision may not be normal even with glasses.
Myriad a great number
We were plagued by a myriad tiny flies
Word List 26
Nadir nag narcissism
narcotic nascent natal
natty
nausea
nautical
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nefarious
neologism
neophyte nepotism nerve
nettle
neurology
nib
nibble nick
nip nitpick nocturnal
noisome nonchalance
noncommittal nonconformist
nonentity
nonplus nonsensical
nonviable
nostalgia nostrum notch
nuance nubile nudge nugatory
nurture oafishness
obdurate obedient obeisance
obfuscate
obituary objection/objective
obligatory
oblige obliging oblique obliterate
oblivious obloquy obnoxious
obsequious obsolescent obsolete obstinate
obstreperous obtuse obverse obviate occlude occult octogenarian ode
odious/odium odometer
odyssey offbeat offish
off-key
nag to irritate by constant scolding or urging
I wish you'd stop nagging!
narcissism
EGOISM, EGOCENTRISM2 : love of or sexual desire for one's own body
He went to the gym every day, driven purely by narcissism.
narcotic having the properties of or yielding a narcotic b : inducing mental lethargy :
SOPORIFEROUS
He died from an overdose of narcotics.
nascent coming or having recently come into existence the country's nascent democracy
natal
NATIVE2 : of, relating to, or present at birth;
Green turtles return to their natal island to breed.
natty
: trimly neat and tidy : SMART He was a natty dresser.
nausea a stomach distress with distaste for food and an urge to vomit2 : extreme disgust
A feeling of nausea suddenly came over me.
nautical of, relating to, or associated with seamen, navigation, or ships
All the waiters were dressed in nautical attire.
nefarious
flagrantly wicked or impious : EVIL
nefarious activities such as drug trafficking and fraud
neologism
a new word, usage, or expression
The novel displayed Rolfe's fondness
for neologism, verbal sumptuousness, and quirky spelling in its best light.
Neophyte
a new convert : PROSELYTE2 : NOVICE 1
Veteran extras warn neophytes to beware the purges.
nepotism favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship
allegations of nepotism and corruption
nerve
: power of endurance or control : FORTITUDE, STRENGTH courage
She finally found the nerve to tell him she wanted a divorce.
nettle
any of various prickly or stinging plants other than the true nettles
neurology
the scientific study of the nervous system especially in respect to its structure,
functions, and abnormalities
She has special interests in adult neurology.
nibble to bite gently b : to eat or chew in small bits
He nibbled the biscuit cautiously.
nick
a small notch or groove b : a small cut or wound c : a break in one strand of
Even the smallest nick can cause streaking.
nip a small quantity of liquor : SIP;
nocturnal
: of, relating to, or occurring in the night
Rebecca paid a nocturnal visit to the
flat.
noisome offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell
The distant workers who supported this wealth lived in noisome slums.
nonchalant having an air of easy unconcern or indifference
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'Has he got a girlfriend?' Jill asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Nonentity
something that does not exist or exists only in the imagination 2.not
important
She treated him as a nonentity.
nonsensical : words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas
This is a nonsensical argument.
nonviable
can not survive
nostrum a medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually without
scientific proof of its effectiveness The doctor's nostrums were as likely to hasten death as delay
it.
notch
a V-shaped indentation
Cut a notch near one end of the stick.
nuance a subtle distinction or variation2 : a subtle quality : NICETY
He was aware of every nuance in her voice.
nudge to touch or push gently; especially : to seek the attention of by a push of the elbow
Jill nudged him in the ribs.
nugatory of little or no consequence : TRIFLING, INCONSEQUENTIAL
Social custom made this proviso almost nugatory.
oafishness
a stupid person : BOOB
obdurate stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing b : hardened in feelings
They argued, but he remained obdurate.
obedient submissive to the restraint or command of authority : willing to obey
citizens who are obedient to the law
obeisance
: a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : BOW
They made obeisance to the sultan.
obfuscate
DARKEN b : to make obscure2 : CONFUSE
Politicians have once again obfuscated the issue.
obituary : a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account
Did you ever see his obituary in the Citizen?
oblique neither perpendicular nor parallel : INCLINED2. : not straightforward : INDIRECT;
an oblique reference to his drinking problem.
Reneé made oblique references to his drinking problem.
oblivious : lacking remembrance, memory, or mindful attention
He seemed oblivious to the fact that he had hurt her.
obloquy a strongly condemnatory utterance : abusive language
They may even invite mild social obloquy.
obnoxious
exposed to something unpleasant or harmful
used with to
She's really obnoxious.
Eddie is an obnoxious, insecure creep.
obsequious marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
The salesman's obsequious manner was beginning to irritate me.
Obsolescent/obsolete going out of use : becoming obsolete
First, the government is pumping a lot of cash into obsolescent industries.
obstinate
perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments,
or persuasion
He was the most obstinate man I've ever met.
obstreperous marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness : CLAMOROUS
Out of power, he has been just as obstreperous, if somewhat less visible.
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obtuse : not pointed or acute : BLUNT
'But why?' said Charles, being deliberately obtuse.
obverse facing the observer or opponent2.opposite The obverse of victory is defeat.
But the obverse is more important; the network of help and contacts.
obviate to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action
The new treatment obviates the need for surgery.
occlude to close up or block off : OBSTRUCT *a thrombus occluding a coronary artery*;
also : CONCEAL
occult to shut off from view or exposure : COVER, ECLIPSE
He was a strange man who dabbled in the occult.
ode a lyric poem usually marked by exaltation of feeling and style
eats' 'Ode to a Nightingale'
Pindar celebrated that victory in his Ninth Pythian ode.
odious/odium exciting or deserving hatred or repugnance the odious task of scrubbing floors
odyssey : a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune
They departed Texas on a three-year odyssey that took them as far as Japan.
Word List 27
Oligarchy
omit
ointment omnipotent onerous opacity onset
opine
opinionate oppose oppress opportune
opprobrious opulent oration oratorio
ordain ordeal original originality
ornate orthodox oscillate ostentation
osmosis osseous ossify
ostracism
ostracize
ostrich otter
oust outrage ovation overflow overreach
override overrule oversee overt
overture overwrought oxidize pacifist pacify packed pact padding paean
pagan pageant palate Paleolithic
paleontology pall palliate palpable
palpitate palter pan panacea pander panegyric
pang
panorama
panther pantry parabola paradigm
paragon papyrus parable
Oligarchy
a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt
and selfish purposes
Eventually oligarchy took over from democracy.
omnipotent : having virtually unlimited authority or influence
Big, omnipotent, unpredictable, undependable and cruel.
opine
to express opinions : to state as an opinion
The headmistress opined that the trip would make a nice change.
oppress SUPPRESS b : to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority2 : to burden
spiritually or mentally : weigh heavily upon
The gloom in the chapel oppressed her.
opportune
suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence *an opportune moment*2 :
occurring at an appropriate time
I waited, hoping for an opportune moment to discuss the possibility of a raise
opprobrious expressive of opprobrium : SCURRILOUS
Any country trading in these weapons would face international opprobrium.
opulent exhibiting or characterized by opulence: as a : having a large estate or property
Morishita leads an opulent lifestyle.
oration an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified manner
Perhaps this was another part of his very cunning, and well performed oration.
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ordeal a severe trial or experience She then had to go through the ordeal of giving evidence.
osseous BONY ,composed of bone that girl is osseous while she assume it to be pretty
ostrich one who attempts to avoid danger or difficulty by refusing to face it
Her legs, in fishnet stockings, move gracefully, she fans herself with an ostrich feather.
outrage an act of violence or brutality
environmentalists' outrage at plans to develop the coastline
ovation an expression or demonstration of popular acclaim especially by enthusiastic applause
Fans gave the rock group a thunderous ovation.
overreach
to reach above or beyond : OVERTOP
The company overreached itself financially.
override to ride over or across : TRAMPLE3 a : to prevail over : DOMINATE b : to set aside :
ANNUL
The EU commission exercised its power to override British policy.
overrule to rule against b : to set aside : REVERSE
They have the power to overrule the local council.
overt
open to view : MANIFEST an overt attempt to silence their political opponents
overture : the orchestral introduction to a musical dramatic work
Opera overtures usually
contain all the main musical themes of the opera, and should be listened to with the curtain down.
overwrought extremely excited : AGITATED2 : elaborated to excess : OVERDONE
Clara was tired and overwrought after all the problems of the last few days.
pact
4COMPACT; especially : an international treaty
The two countries signed a non-aggression pact.
padding to furnish with a pad or padding b : MUTE, MUFFLE
a helmet with protective padding
paean a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph; broadly
Giuliani turned his answer into a paean to the police.
palliate : to reduce the violence of (a disease) : ABATE
Chosen carefully, the oils may not only palliate but also cure the condition.
Palpitate to beat rapidly and strongly : THROB
if your heart palpitates, it beats quickly in an irregular way
pander someone who caters to or exploits the weaknesses of others
Some newspapers feel they have to pander to the prejudices of their readers.
pang
a brief piercing spasm of pain
She felt a sudden pang of guilt.
panorama
a picture exhibited a part at a time by being unrolled before the spectator
The tower offers a panorama of the city.
parabola
a plane curve generated by a point moving so that its distance from a fixed point is
equal to its distance from a fixed line Distance a locates the focus of the parabola on the x axis.
Paradigm
an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype
the basic paradigm of the family tree Pius XII remained the paradigm of what a pope should be.
paragon
a model of excellence or perfection
The royal family could be relied upon as paragons of etiquette.
Parable a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle
It is a kind of parable for the eighties -- a lesson about the destructiveness of greed.
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Word List 28
Paranoia parasite pariah pare parity parka parlance parody paroxysm
parry
parse
parsimony particular
partisan pastel pastiche pastoral
pastry pathogen pathological patina patrician patrimony
paucity paunchy
pauper peak
pecan peccadillo
peck
pedal
pedant pedestal
pedestrian peeve
peevish pejorative
pelf pell-mell
pellucid penalize
penchant
pending penitent penultimate penury perambulate perch
peregrination peremptory perennial
perfidy perfidious
perforate
perfunctorily peril
peripatetic periphery
peripheral perish
perishing
perjure perky permissive pernicious
persecute
persiflage
personable perspective perspire pertain pertinent peruse
pervious pest pester pestilent petal
petition petrology
petty
petulance
phantom pharmaceutical pharmacology
Paranoia
a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur
usually without hallucinations
It seemed possible that Soviet paranoia could spark a war at any time.
pare
to trim off an outside, excess, or irregular part of
Pare the rind from the fruit
parity the quality or state of being equal or equivalent
Women workers are demanding parity with their male colleagues.
parody a feeble or ridiculous imitation . He swung the door wide open in a parody of welcome.
paroxysm
a sudden violent emotion or action
Had she cut her wrists in a paroxysm of guilt?
partisan a member of a guerrilla band operating within enemy lines
British newspapers are highly partisan.
pastel a paste made of powdered pigment ranging from pale to deep colors and used for
making crayons
a room beautifully furnished in soft pastels
pastiche a musical, literary, or artistic composition made up of selections from different works
The film is a pastiche of the Hollywood Wild West.
patina a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or
artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color
It also takes on a
patina of contrivance, verbal and visual anachronisms, Mara Blumenfeld's quirky costumes aside.
pauper a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity
During those decades bands of pauper migrants went on the tramp in search of food and a living.
peck
to strike or pierce especially repeatedly with the bill or a pointed tool
birds pecking at breadcrumbs on the pavement
pedestrian COMMONPLACE, UNIMAGINATIVE2 a : going or performed on foot
The man lost control of his car, killing a pedestrian.
pejorative
having negative connotations; especially : tending to disparage or belittle :
DEPRECIATORY For hard-line Republicans, the word 'liberal' had become a pejorative term.
penalize to inflict a penalty on2 : to put at a serious disadvantage
Two students were penalized very differently for the same offence.
penultimate next to the last
His horse slipped and fell at the penultimate fence.
penury a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money); especially
: severe
poverty2 : extreme and often niggardly frugality
He died in penury in 1644.
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perambulate to travel over or through especially on foot : TRAVERSE
The boundaries laid down followed fairly closely those of the perambulation of 1300.
peregrination
to travel especially on foot : WALK
transitive senses : to walk or travel
over
His peregrinations took him to India.
peremptory expressive of urgency or command
He is peremptory even with a doorbell button.
peril
exposure to the risk of being injured
a voyage that was fraught with peril
peripatetic of, relating to, or given to walking b : moving or traveling from place to place :
ITINERANT
peripatetic priests who ministered to several villages
perish to become destroyed or ruined
If we lose, perish the thought, Watford will take first place.
Perishing
Let's go indoors. I'm perishing!
Tell those perishing kids to shut up!
permissive granting or tending to grant permission : TOLERANT b : deficient in firmness or
control : INDULGENT, LAX
He had a very permissive upbringing.
pernicious
highly injurious or destructive : DEADLY
the pernicious effects of advertising
pertinent
having a clear decisive relevance to the matter in hand
He asked me a lot of very pertinent questions .
pervious
ACCESSIBLE *pervious to reason*2 : PERMEABLE *pervious soil*
pester to harass with petty irritations : ANNOY
The kids have been pestering me to buy them new trainers.
pestilent destructive of life : DEADLY2 : injuring or endangering society : PERNICIOUS
Good job too, a young thing like her oughtn't to be out late on a pestilential night like this.
petulance
the quality or state of being petulant : PEEVISHNESS
Which one?' he demanded petulantly.
phantom something (as a specter) apparent to sense but with no substantial existence :
APPARITION b : something elusive or visionary
And one Phantom, instead of many phantoms.
pharmaceutical/pharmacology of, relating to, or engaged in pharmacy or the manufacture and
sale of pharmaceuticals
At the industrial level, pharmaceutical and other biomedical
enterprises do all they can to promote their products.
Word List 29
Philanthropic philatelist
philistine phlegmatic phonetic pictorial piddling pied
pilgrim pillory pinch
pine
pinnacle pious
piquant pique
pirouette
pitcher pitfall pith
pittance placate placebo placid plait
plangent
plaque plaster platitude platonic plaudit pleat
pledge plentitude
plethora pliable pliant
plight
plinth plod
plough pluck
plumb
plume plush
poignant
poise
polemic pomposity
poncho ponderable
ponderous
pontifical
pontificate populace porcupine
portentous
portfolio portray poseur posit
postulate
posture potable potentate
potentiate
potpourri
pottery pout
prank prate
pragmatic
preamble
precept precipice precipitant precipitate
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précis preclude
Philanthropic of, relating to, or characterized by philanthropy : HUMANITARIAN
His intention was philanthropic rather than commercial.
phlegmatic having or showing a slow and stolid temperament
The taxi driver, a phlegmatic man in middle age, showed no surprise at this request.
phonetic
: of or relating to spoken language or speech sounds
On the phonetic level it can only suggest an approximate
piddling
: DAWDLE, PUTTER2 : URINATE a piddling amount of money
pied
of two or more colors in blotches
A key adaptation in pied flycatchers, therefore, is the timing of their breeding season.
pinch
to squeeze between the finger and thumb or between the jaws of an instrument
We have to stop her pinching her baby brother.
pine
to lose vigor, health, or flesh (as through grief) : LANGUISH
Six months after he left, she was still pining.
pinnacle an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire
She had reached the pinnacle of her political career.
pique
to arouse anger or resentment in : IRRITATE
He stormed out in a fit of pique .
pitcher a container for holding and pouring liquids that usually has a lip or spout and a handle
John le Grant sat with the others, casting a glance at the pitcher as he passed.
pittance a small portion, amount, or allowance;
She raised three children on a pittance.
placate to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : APPEASE
These changes did little to placate the unions.
placebo a medication prescribed more for the mental relief of the patient than for its actual effect
on a disorder
In each study, the rates in the vitamin A and placebo groups were similar.
plangent having a loud reverberating sound2 : having an expressive and especially plaintive
quality the plangent sound of the violin
plaque a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by destruction of cells by a virus 2. an
ornamental brooch; especially : the badge of an honorary order
The team's coach was given a plaque.
platitude the quality or state of being dull or insipid2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark
His excuse was the platitude 'boys will be boys.'
plaudit an act or round of applause2 : enthusiastic approval usually used in plural
Her performance won plaudits from the critics.
pleat
fold in cloth made by doubling material over on itself;
Her collar and pleats were pressed, and there was a perfect white ribbon in her hair.
pledge to promise the performance of by a pledge
The new governor pledged to reduce crime.
plethora EXCESS, SUPERFLUITY; also : PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE
a plethora of suggestions
Despite a plethora of changes, the new models are just £295 more than the cars they replace.
Pliable/pliant supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b : yielding readily
to others : COMPLAISANT Senior officials would have preferred a more pliable government.
plight
to put or give in pledge : ENGAGE
the desperate plight of the flood victims
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plinth the lowest member of a base : SUBBASE
Peter is shown on the plinth, being taken by his father to be educated by the monks at Bridlington.
plod
to walk heavily or slowly : TRUDGE b : to proceed slowly or tediously
For years he had plodded along in a series of boring office jobs.
plough any of various devices (as a snowplow) operating like a plow
I just took a plough over the whole field.
pluck
: to pull or pick off or out 2. courageous readiness to fight or continue against odds :
dogged resolution Reaching up, she plucked an apple off the tree.
It takes a lot of pluck to stand up to a bully
plumb a lead weight attached to a line and used to indicate a vertical direction 2. to measure the
depth of with a plumb3. in a direct manner : EXACTLY4. to a complete degree
When his wife left him, Matt plumbed the very depths of despair.
plume to provide or deck with feathers b : to array showily2 : to indulge (oneself) in pride
with an obvious or vain display of self-satisfaction3 of a bird
a : to preen and arrange the
feathers of
To complicate matters was the fact that plumes had been such a fashionable notion.
plush
notably luxurious (blush)
Their casino is the plushest in town.
poignant
: pungently pervasive *a poignant perfume*2 a (1) : painfully affecting the feelings
a poignant reminder of our nation's great sacrifices
poise
BALANCE; especially : to hold or carry in equilibrium
He poised the bottle over her glass. 'More wine?'
polemic an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another
Before long, the dispute degenerated into fierce polemics.
poncho a waterproof garment resembling a poncho and having an integral hood
I remember waking up and feel-ing this poncho liner bubbling up a little bit.
ponderable significant enough to be worth considering : APPRECIABLE
ponderous
of very great weight2 : unwieldy or clumsy because of weight and size The
system, though ponderous, works.
Pontifical/ pontificate to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way
Politicians are always pontificating about education.
porcupine
any of various relatively large rodents having stiff sharp erectile bristles
mingled with the hair and constituting
portentous of, relating to, or constituting a portent
Recent developments are as portentous as the collapse of the Berlin Wall.
posit
to assume or affirm the existence of : POSTULATE
He posited that each planet moved in a perfect circle.
postulate
to assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary : depend upon or start from the
postulate of
It has been postulated that the condition is inherited.
potentate
RULER, SOVEREIGN; broadly : one who wields great power or sway
Or even some other foreign potentate ...?
potentiate
to make effective or active or more effective or more active; also : to
augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically
potpourri
a mixture of flowers, herbs, and spices that is usually kept in a jar and used for
scent
a potpourri of religious ideas
pottery the art or craft of the potter b : the manufacture of clayware3 : CLAYWARE
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They appear over and over again, on pottery and statues.
Pout
to show displeasure by thrusting out the lips or wearing a sullen expression
Her full lips pouted slightly.
prank TRICK: a obsolete : a malicious act
Every year, the older kids pull pranks on new students.
prate
to talk long and idly : CHATTER
I sat in my pew and heard him prate on for at least an hour and a half.
pragmatic
relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of
intellectual or artistic matters
Williams took a more pragmatic approach to management
problems.
preamble
an introductory statement; especially
: the introductory part of a
constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law2 : an introductory
fact or circumstance;
Harding gave him the news without preamble
precept a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action
basic moral precepts
And even for the prevailing types most precepts prove transitory.
precipice
a very steep or overhanging place
he stock market is on the edge of a precipice .
precipitant/ precipitate
a precipitating agent; especially : one that causes the formation
of a precipitate
The riot was precipitated when four black men were arrested.
précis a concise summary of essential point 2.a statement which gives the main idea of a
piece of writing, speech etc Later a short term job educational précis, took him to London's
technical libraries.
Word List 30
Predicament predilection preeminent preempt preliterate prelude premiere premise
premium premonition preponderate prerogative presenter
preservative pressing
pretension/pretentious prevail prevaricate prim
primp pristine
privation proboscis
proceeds
procrastinate proctor procure prod
prodigy proffer profiteer profligate
profuse progeny prognosis
prohibitive projectile
proliferate prolix prologue promenade
promulgate prone
pronounced prop
propagate
prophecy
propitiate
propitious
proposition proprietary propriety
prosaic
proscribe
prosecute
proselytize prospect prostrate protagonist protean
protract protuberant provenance provender
provident
provisional
provisory
Predicament CONDITION, STATE; especially : a difficult, perplexing, or trying situation
She went to the office to explain her predicament .
predilection an established preference for something synonyms PREDILECTION
Mrs Lane's predilection for gossip
preempt to replace with something considered to be of greater value or priority
The deal pre-empted a strike by rail workers.
prelude an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal
or a more important matter
Living together as a prelude to marriage is now considered acceptable in many countries.
premium
the consideration paid for a contract of insurance
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Consumers are prepared to pay a premium for organically grown vegetables.
preponderate to exceed in influence, power, or importance
prerogative an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege: as (1) : one belonging to an office
or an official body
Education was once the prerogative of the elite.
presenter
to offer to view : SHOW b : to bring to one's attention *
the presenter of BBC 2's Newsnight
The presenter read the news headlines.
pressing urgently important : CRITICAL Poverty is a more pressing problem than pollution.
pretension/pretentious an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment
Lilith resented Adam's pretensions to superiority.
prevail to be or continue in use or fashion : PERSIST
I admired the creativity which prevailed among the young writers.
prevaricate to deviate from the truth : EQUIVOCATE 'I'm not sure,' he prevaricated.
prim
stiffly formal and proper : DECOROUS b : PRUDISH2 : NEAT, TRIM
She looked prim and nervous in her best hat and coat.
primp to dress, adorn, or arrange in a careful or finicky manner
She spends hours primping in front of the mirror.
pristine belonging to the earliest period or state 2. not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted b : fresh
and clean as or as if new
The car has been restored to pristine condition . pristine
African rainforest
Beyond the pristine beaches are rain forests.
privation an act or instance of depriving : DEPRIVATION
He had endured times of privation as a boy, but he never dwelled on it.
proceeds
the total amount brought in The proceeds of the concert will go to charity.
procrastinate to put off intentionally and habitually
People often procrastinate when it comes to paperwork.
proctor SUPERVISOR, MONITOR; specifically : one appointed to supervise students
In these years he was frequently a proctor for prelates and religious institutions in Parliament.
prod
to thrust a pointed instrument into : PRICK b : to incite to action : STIR
2 : to poke or stir as if with a prod
to urge someone on
He's a bright kid, but he needs prodding.
Theo prodded at the dead snake.
prodigy a highly talented child or youth Mozart was a musical prodigy.
proffer to present for acceptance : TENDER, OFFER
Poirot proffered him a cigarette.
profiteer one who makes what is considered an unreasonable profit especially on the sale of
essential goods during times of emergency black market profiteers
profligate
: wildly extravagant : PRODIGAL
the profligate use of energy resources
profuse : exhibiting great abundance : BOUNTIFUL
Profuse sweating is one of the symptoms of heat exhaustion.
proliferate : to grow by rapid production of new parts, cells, buds, or offspring2 : to increase in
number as if by proliferating : MULTIPLY
Computer courses continue to proliferate.
prolix marked by or using an excess of words
promenade a leisurely walk or ride especially in a public place for pleasure or display
Adding to the overall charm, there is often live music played on the promenade
promulgate to make known by open declaration : PROCLAIM
They are then specified in regulations promulgated under the authority of the law.
prone
having a tendency or inclination : being likely
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Some plants are very prone to disease.
pronounced to declare officially or ceremoniously
This disability is more pronounced in men.
prop
something that props or sustains : SUPPORT
Can we prop the window open with something?
propagate
to cause to continue or increase by sexual or asexual reproduction
The group launched a website to propagate its ideas .
propitiate
to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of : APPEASE, CONCILIATE
To propitiate him, the people offered Lung roasted swallows, hearts and red lotus blossoms.
propitious
: favorably disposed : BENEVOLENT2 : being of good omen : AUSPICIOUS
Conditions after the 1905 revolution were propitious for stable development.
proposition an expression in language or signs of something that can be believed, doubted, or
denied or is either true or false
The theory is founded on two basic propositions.
proprietary one that possesses, owns, or holds exclusive right to something; specifically :
PROPRIETOR
He has no proprietary interest in the farm
propriety
conformity to what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech
They discussed the propriety of treating ill children against the wishes of the parents.
Proscribe to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful : PROHIBIT
The Act proscribes discrimination on the grounds of race.
prospect an extensive view (2) : a mental consideration : SURVEY 2. the act of looking forward :
ANTICIPATION
There is every prospect (=a strong possibility) of the weather remaining dry this week.
prostrate stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission; also : lying flat
2 : completely overcome and lacking vitality, will, or power to rise
Julie was prostrate with grief after her father's death.
protagonist the principal character in a literary work 2. : a leader, proponent, or supporter of a
cause : CHAMPION
the main protagonists in the conflict
protean displaying great diversity or variety : VERSATILE
Clinton has been too protean to entirely satisfy either.
Protract to prolong in time or space : CONTINUE the expense of a protracted legal battle
protuberant thrusting out from a surrounding or adjacent surface often as a rounded mass :
This dinosaur is recognizable by the protuberance on the top of its head.
provenance ORIGIN, SOURCE 2 : the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or
literature
The provenance of the paintings is unknown.
provender
dry food for domestic animals : FEED2 : FOOD, VICTUALS
provident
making provision for the future : PRUDENT2 : FRUGAL, SAVING
A blessed miracle of provident design?
provisional serving for the time being : TEMPORARY
We accept provisional bookings by phone.
provisory
containing or subject to a proviso : CONDITIONAL
Word List 31
Prowess prowl
proximate
prude
prudence
prudish prune
psyche
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pucker puckish puerile pugilist pugnacious puissance
pulchritude
pullet
pulley pulverize punctilious puncture pundit pungent puny
purchase purgative
purgatory
purlieu purloin purported
purvey
pusillanimous
pylon
pyre
quack quail
quaint quandary
qualms quarantine quarry quartet quash quell
quench querulous
quibble quiescent
quill quirk
quixotic quotidian
rabble
rabid/rabies raffish raffle
raid rail raisin
rakish rambunctious ramify
rampage rampant rampart ramshackle ranger rankle ransom rant rapacious
rapport rapt rarefaction raspy
raucous ravage rave ravenous ravine
ravishing
reactionary readily rebate rebellious
rebuff rebuke
rebuttal recalcitrant
Prowess distinguished bravery; especially : military valor and skill2 : extraordinary ability
It shamed me to be evaluating the prowess of a man whom I would not ordinarily desire
prowl
to move about or wander stealthily in or as if in search of prey
proximate
very near : CLOSE b : soon forthcoming : IMMINENT
The proximate cause of death was colon cancer.
prude a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or decorum
Alvin was fastidious and even a bit of a prude
prudence
the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
But what passion was there in a life lived with prudence?
prudish marked by prudery : PRIGGISH
American culture is in many ways still fairly prudish.
prune to cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth
The company is pruning staff in order to reduce costs.
puckish IMPISH, WHIMSICAL
Basil Rocke had a very puckish sense of humour and wryness which veiled a deep kindliness.
puerile : JUVENILE2 : CHILDISH, SILLY
An apparently astonishing claim, and a puerile one too, but true none the less
puissance
: STRENGTH, POWER
pulchritude : physical comeliness
pulverize to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles : ATOMIZE
The seeds can be used whole or pulverized into flour.
punctilious marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or
conventions Joe was always punctilious about repaying loans.
puncture
a hole, wound, or perforation made by puncturing 2. to pierce with or as if with a
pointed instrument or object She was cycling home when she had a puncture .
pundit : a learned man : TEACHER
If you believe the fashion pundits, we'll all be wearing pink this year.
pungent sharply painful2 : having a stiff and sharp point
He expressed some fairly pungent criticisms.
puny
slight or inferior in power, size, or importance : WEAK
His wife was such a big strong woman, she made him look puny.
purchase a firm hold on something
The ice made it impossible to get a purchase on the road.
Purgative
purging or tending to purge
It was colossal and magnificent-a purgative of national despair.
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purgatory
an intermediate state after death for expiatory purification; specifically : a
place or state of punishment wherein according to
Sewing is relaxation for some, purgatory for others.
purlieu an outlying or adjacent district b plural : ENVIRONS, NEIGHBORHOOD
They swept along the crimson canal into the purlieus of the new city.
purloin to appropriate wrongfully and often by a breach of trust 2.to obtain something without
permission - often used humorously
He must have purloined a key from somewhere.
purported
to have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming
Two undercover officers purporting to be dealers infiltrated the gang.
purvey to supply (as provisions) usually as a matter of business
DJ Dominic purveys a unique brand of music.
pusillanimous
lacking courage and resolution : marked by contemptible timidity
The
comfort and security you are chasing can only be temporary with pusillanimous people like you
quack : CHARLATAN 2.to make the characteristic cry of a duck
quacks selling weight-loss drugs
quaint EXPERT, SKILLED2 a : marked by skillful design
a quaint little village in Yorkshire
quandary
a state of perplexity or doubt Kate was in a quandary over whether to go or
not.
qualms a feeling of uneasiness about a point especially of conscience or propriety
The manager has no qualms about dropping players who do not perform well.
quarantine to isolate from normal relations or communication
The monkeys were kept in quarantine for 31 days.
quarry one that is sought or pursued : PREY
Briefly, the hunter and his quarry glared at each other.
quash to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely 2. to nullify especially by judicial
action
The High Court later quashed his conviction for murder.
quell
: to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity
'Jerry?' she
Police used live ammunition to quell the
called, trying to quell the panic inside her.
disturbances
quench PUT OUT, EXTINGUISH
We stopped at a small bar to quench our thirst.
querulous
habitually complaining 'But why can't I go?' he said in a querulous voice
quibble to evade the point of an argument by caviling about words2 a : CAVIL, CARP b :
BICKER
Let's not quibble over minor details.
quill the hollow horny shaft of a feather
see FEATHER illustration (2) : FEATHER;
especially : one of the large stiff feathers of the wing or tail
The quill nib produces a crisper line as a result.
quirk:
an abrupt twist or curve b : a peculiar trait : IDIOSYNCRASY c : ACCIDENT,
VAGARY. Years later, by a strange quirk of fate , she found herself sitting next to him on a plane.
quixotic foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially : marked by rash
lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly This is a vast, exciting, and perhaps quixotic project.
quotidian
: occurring every day
Like the last scene of Uncle Vanya, all that was left was the bleakly quotidian.
rabble a disorganized or confused collection of things
A rabble of angry youths
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rabid/rabies extremely violent : FURIOUS b : going to extreme lengths in expressing or
pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion
a group of rabid right-wing fanatics
raffish marked by or suggestive of flashy vulgarity or crudeness
an interesting character with a raffish air
raffle
a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying chances
a woman selling raffle tickets
raid
a hostile or predatory incursion b : a surprise attack by a small force
The colonel led a successful raid against a rebel base.
rail a bar that is fastened along or around something
Several passengers were leaning against the ship's rail.
raisin
a grape of any of several varieties that has been dried in the sun or by artificial heat
rakish of, relating to, or characteristic of a rake : DISSOLUTE 2. dashingly or carelessly
unconventional : JAUNTY
A man stood, rakish and upright, and stared at the fences.
rambunctious marked by uncontrollable exuberance : UNRULY
three rambunctious kids
Maybe he encouraged my rambunctious behavior.
ramify to split up into branches or constituent parts
rampage to rush wildly about 2. to rush wildly about
Drunken football fans rampaged through the streets.
rampant marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint b :
WIDESPREAD
Pickpocketing is rampant in the downtown area.
rampart a protective barrier : BULWARK2 : a broad embankment raised as a fortification and
usually surmounted by a parapet
At the very bottom of the rampart, and totally sealed by it, was a small hearth.
ramshackle appearing ready to collapse : RICKETY
a row of ramshackle homes
rankle to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness2 : to feel anger and irritation
His comments still rankled. His casual style of dress rankled his superiors.
rant : to talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
She was still ranting about the unfairness of it all.
rapacious
excessively grasping or covetous
they haven't done anything about the rapacious exploitation of the poor in the ghetto.
rapport RELATION; especially
: relation marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or
affinity He had an excellent rapport with his patients.
rapt
wholly absorbed : ENGROSSED They listened with rapt attention .
rarefaction the action or process of rarefying2 : the quality or state of being rarefied
raspy
HARSH, GRATING2 : IRRITABLE
my father's rasping voice
I heard John's voice rasping in the other room.
raucous disagreeably harsh or strident : HOARSE
A group of raucous students spilled out of the bar.
He burst into raucous laughter .
ravage damage resulting from ravaging : violently destructive effect
His health was gradually ravaged by drink and drugs.
rave
to talk irrationally in or as if in delirium b : to speak out wildly
He started raving at me He was still ranting and raving the next morning.
Ravenous
RAPACIOUS *ravenous wolves*2 : very eager or greedy for food,
satisfaction, or gratification I was ravenously hungry .
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ravine a small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon
A bus plunged 250 feet into a ravine, killing thirty people.
ravishing
: to seize and take away by violence b : to overcome with emotion
Cynthia looked positively ravishing this evening
reactionary relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction; especially : ultraconservative in
politics
That Ptolemy was a conservative, even a reactionary in certain respects, is undeniable.
rebate a return of a part of a payment
You may be entitled to a tax rebate.
rebellious
: given to or engaged in rebellion
He's always had a rebellious streak (=a tendency to rebel) .
rebuff : to reject or criticize sharply : SNUB He rebuffed all her suggestions.
rebuke to criticize sharply : REPRIMAND b : to serve as a rebuke to
Members of the jury were sharply rebuked for speaking to the press.
rebuttal the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit; also : argument or proof that rebuts
his firm rebuttal of the accusations
recalcitrant obstinately defiant of authority or restraintc
Discovering the way of course takes us back to your recalcitrant dealers.
Word List 32
Recant recapitulate recast recess recessive
reciprocal
recluse recoil
recollection reclaim reconnaissance
recourse rectitude recumbent recuperate
redeem redolent redoubtable reed
reek
refractory
refulgent refute
regale rehearse relegate relentlessrelic relinquish
reminisce
remiss
remorse rend
rendezvous renegade renege rent reparable
repatriate
repel
repellent repercussion repine replenish
reprieve reprehend
/reprehensive reprisal reprise reprobate
repudiate
repugnant
repulse requite rescind resent resignation
recapitulate to repeat the principal points or stages of : SUMMARIZE
And just to sketch in the background, could you recapitulate for us?
recess a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part2 : a suspension of business or procedure often
for rest or relaxation
Her favorite things at school are music and recess.
reciprocal
mutually corresponding
He spoke of the necessity for a reciprocal
relationship that would be useful for all sides.
recluse marked by withdrawal from society : SOLITARY
She became a recluse after her two sons were murdered.
recoil
to spring back to or as if to a starting point : REBOUND
She recoiled from his touch as if she had been slapped.
reclaim to recall from wrong or improper conduct : REFORM b : TAME, SUBDUE2 a : to
rescue from an undesirable state b : to make available for human use by changing natural
conditions *reclaim swampland*3 : to obtain from a waste product or by-product : RECOVER4 a :
to demand or obtain the return of
Large areas of land will be reclaimed for a new airport.
rectitude moral integrity : RIGHTEOUSNESS
Most of them led lives of exemplary moral rectitude.
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recuperate to get back : REGAIN : to regain a former state or condition; especially : to
recover health or strength
Coles is recuperating from a sprained ankle.
redolent exuding fragrance : AROMATIC2 a : full of a specified fragrance
The bar was redolent with the smell of stale cigarette smoke
refractory
The tale of Gormenghast requires a large number of refractory
refulgent
a radiant or resplendent quality or state : BRILLIANCE
refute to prove wrong by argument or evidence : show to be false or erroneous
an attempt to refute Darwin's theories
regale to entertain sumptuously : feast with delicacies2 : to give pleasure or amusement to
Bailey regaled the customers with tales of our exploits.
relegate to send into exile : BANISH2 : ASSIGN: as a : to assign to a place of insignificance or
of oblivion : Women tended to be relegated to typing and filing jobs.
relentless
showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace
a regime that was relentless in its persecution of dissidents
relinquish
to withdraw or retreat from : leave behind2 : GIVE UP *relinquish a title*
No one wants to relinquish power once they have it.
remiss negligent in the performance of work or duty : CARELESS2 : showing neglect or
inattention : LAX
It was remiss of the social services not to notify the police.
remorse a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : SELF-REPROACH
She felt a pang of remorse for what she had done.
rendezvous a place appointed for assembling or meeting b : a place of popular resort
He made a rendezvous with her in Times Square.
renege to go back on a promise or commitment
The fighters had reneged on a pledge to
release foreign prisoners.
repine to feel or express dejection or discontent
2 : to long for something
replenish
: to fill with persons or animals : STOCK b archaic
: to supply fully :
PERFECT c : to fill with inspiration or power : NOURISH2 a : to fill or build up again
More vaccines are needed to replenish our stocks.
reprieve The US Supreme Court voted against granting Smith a reprieve (=against giving him
one) .
reprehend
/reprehensive : to voice disapproval of : CENSURE
reproach
reprobate
to condemn strongly as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil
After all, even a hardened reprobate like myself must have some standards to adhere to.
repudiate
to refuse to accept; especially : to reject as unauthorized or as having no
binding force
He repudiated all offers of friendship.
repugnant
INCOMPATIBLE, INCONSISTENT2 : HOSTILE3 : exciting distaste or
aversion
I find his political ideas totally repugnant.
repulse to drive or beat back : REPEL2 : to repel by discourtesy, coldness, or denial3 : to cause
repulsion
Government troops repulsed an attack by rebel forces.
The very thought of his cold clammy hands repulsed me.
requite to make return for : REPAY b : to make retaliation for : AVENGE
What if she should requite his longing?
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Word List 33
Resigned
resort resourceful respite respondent resplendent restitution
restless resume resurgence resurrect resuscitate retaliate retard reticent
retiring retouch retreat retrench retribution revelation
revelry
reverberate revere reverie revile
revitalize
revue
rhinestone
rhubarb ribald rickety rider
riddle rife rift
rig rigor
rile
rind rinslet rite riot rival
rive
riven
riveting rivulet roil roster
rostrum roughen rubicund rudder rudimentary rue ruffian ruffle
ruminant
rung
rumple runic
rupture ruse
rustic
saccharin
sacred
sacrifice sacrilege sagacious
salient salmon salutary salute/salutation
salvage salve
sampler sanctify sanction sanctimonious
sane
sanguine
sanity sap sapient
respite a period of temporary delay; especially : REPRIEVE 2 : an interval of rest or relief
We have a few days' respite
The trip was a welcome respite from the pressures of work.
before we have to pay them.
respondent the prevailing party in the lower court c : a person who responds to a poll
About 30% of respondents were under 21, 36% were 21-30, and 34% over 30; 52% were female
resplendent shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor
She looked resplendent in a silk dress.
restitution
an act of restoring or a condition of being restored: as a : a restoration of
something to its rightful owner
The offender must make restitution for the hurt that he or she has caused.
resurgence : a rising again into life, activity, or prominence : RENASCENCE
There has been a resurgence of interest in religion over the last ten years.
Resurrect
to raise from the dead2 : to bring to view, attention, or use again
he Home Office have resurrected plans to build a new prison just outside London.
resuscitate : to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness
Doctors managed to resuscitate him.
retaliate to get revenge .The British government retaliated by breaking off diplomatic relations.
retard to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment : IMPEDE
Cold weather retards the growth of many plants.
reticent inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : RESERVED
She's strangely reticent about her son.
retrench CUT DOWN, REDUCE b : to cut out : EXCISE
a
government
policy
of
retrenchment
At this stage, the Government began to retrench on its nuclear programmes.
retribution the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter3 :
something given or exacted in recompense
Victims are demanding retribution for the terrorist attacks.
revelation
an act of revealing or communicating divine truth
He resigned after revelations about his affair.
reverberate : to become reflected
2 : to continue in or as if in a series of echoes : The bang
reverberated through the house.
revile
: to subject to verbal abuse
The President was now reviled by the same party he had helped to lead.
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revue a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits,
songs, and dances
Actually, it was Cook who killed off the revue form.
rhubarb : a heated dispute or controversy
rickety lacking stability or firmness : SHAKY
They sat around the card table on rickety old chairs.
a rickety old wooden chair
rider
an addition to a document often attached on a separate piece of paper
The rider states that paragraph 27 applies only to foreign imports.
rift
: FISSURE, CREVASSE b : FAULT 5
2 : a clear space or interval3 : BREACH,
ESTRANGEMENT
Party officials have denied that there is any rift between ministers.
rig to manipulate or control usually by deceptive or dishonest means
Some international observers have claimed the election was rigged.
rile to make agitated and angry : UPSET
He was the calmest guy I ever knew - nothing ever riled him.
rind
a usually hard or tough outer layer : PEEL
Add the orange rind, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, parsley and the remaining olive oil.
ringlet a small ring or circle2 : CURL; especially : a long curl of hair
A swarthy fellow with ringlets was taking a slash at her with a heavy cutlass.
Rive/riven
to divide into pieces : SHATTER
riveting : to fasten with or as if with rivets 2. to attract and hold (as the attention
His story makes riveting listening.
rivulet a small stream (river) rivulets of rain running down the window
roil to stir up
rostrum a stage for public speaking c : a raised platform on a stage
Christie's auctioneer Colin Sheaf mounted his rostrum in front of a wall of 1,100 blue and white
vases.
rudder a guiding force or strategy
Be ready with rudder to maintain heading. 3.
rudimentary consisting in first principles : FUNDAMENTAL
Gradually, I acquired a rudimentary knowledge of music.
rue REGRET, SORROW She learned to rue the day she had met Henri.
ruffian a brutal person : BULLY
He ran away from the fearsome ruffian.
ruffle
ROUGHEN, ABRADE b : TROUBLE, VEX *is not ruffled by such barbs Bruce
Anderson*2 : to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff3 a : to flip through (as pages) b : SHUFFLE
Louise's sharp comments had ruffled his pride.
He ruffled her hair affectionately.
ruminant
: given to or engaged in contemplation 2. characterized by chewing again what
has been swallowed
Under the new regulation, the tissue from ruminant animals could
not be used in the feed of ruminant animals.
rung
a rounded part placed as a crosspiece between the legs of a chair
Humans are on the highest rung of the evolutionary ladder.
rupture : a breaking apart or the state of being broken apart
The rupture with his father was absolute.
ruse
a wily subterfuge Agnes tried to think of a ruse to get Paul out of the house.
sagacious
keen in sense perception2 a : of keen and farsighted penetration and judgment
His sagacious words on the subject are worth repeating
salient standing out conspicuously : PROMINENT .Four salient points emerged from our
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study.
salutary : producing a beneficial effect : REMEDIAL *salutary influences*2 : promoting health :
CURATIVE Losing money in this way taught young Jones a salutary lesson.
salute/salutation to address with expressions of kind wishes, courtesy, or honor b : to give a
sign of respect, courtesy, or goodwill to : GREET
The men jumped to their feet and saluted.
salve
an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores2 : a remedial or
soothing influence or agency
Our goal is to provide a salve for consumers' fears.
Can
smell the graphite salve, like the smell in a garage.
sanctify to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use : CONSECRATE
The rule of the Czar was sanctified by the Russian Orthodox Church.
sanction to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to
--sanctimonious
Apparently, the aide had acted without White House sanction.
Sane
proceeding from a sound mind : RATIONAL2 : mentally sound; especially : able to
anticipate and appraise the effect of one's actions
I don't think any sane person would take his threats seriously.
sanguine having blood as the predominating bodily : CONFIDENT, OPTIMISTIC
Other economists are more sanguine about the possibility of inflation.
sanity the quality or state of being sane; She wondered if she was losing her sanity .
sapient possessing or expressing great sagacity
Word List 34
Sapphire sarcastic sash
satirize saturnine
saunter savage savant savvy
sawdust scabbard scads
scaffold scalding scant
scarcity scarf
scenario scheme schism scion
scoop
scorch scorpion scotch scourge
scowl
scrap
scrawl scroll
scrub
scruple scripture scrutable scuff
scurrilous
scythe seam
secede seedling seethe seine
seismic
sentient sentinel sepulchral
sequesterseraphic serene serrate serrated serried
servile setback shambles
sheathe shoal
shoddy
Sapphire : a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than
red;
And here is a sapphire, and here a ruby.
satirize to utter or write satire : to censure or ridicule by means of satire
a play satirizing the fashion industry
saturnine
born under or influenced astrologically by the planet Saturn
Actually she was every bit as curious about the saturnine mystery man as Candy.
saunter to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL
He came sauntering down the road with his hands in his pockets.
savage WILD, UNCULTIVATED *seldom have I seen such savage scenery Douglas
Carruthers*3 a : BOORISH, RUDE
He was savagely attacked and beaten.
savant a person of learning; especially : one with detailed knowledge in some specialized
field
At the other extreme sit the savants at Morgan Stanley & Co.
savvy
UNDERSTAND Lisa had become a savvy young woman.
scabbard
a sheath for a sword, dagger, or bayonet
Chun had put his sword back into the scabbard and turned to a political solution
scad
any of several carangid fishes
They got scads of calls from reporters.
scalding to burn with or as if with hot liquid or steam
Scalding tears poured down her face.
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scant
: barely or scarcely sufficient; especially : not quite coming up to a stated measure
The story has received scant attention in the press.
scarf
a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, or over the head .
His hair was all tousled, a scarf round his neck, touching his braces.
scenario an outline or synopsis of a play; especially : a plot outline used by actors of the
commedia dell'arte
Imagine a scenario where only 20% of people have a job.
schism DIVISION, SEPARATION; also
: DISCORD, DISHARMONY2 a : formal
division in or separation from a church or religious body
Gradually I adjusted to the inner schism.
scion
a detached living portion of a plant joined to a stock in grafting and usually supplying
solely aerial parts to a graft2 : DESCENDANT, CHILD
a scion of an ancient Scottish family
scoop
to take out or up with or as if with a scoop : DIP
Cut the bottom off a four pint plastic milk container to make a free food scoop.
scotch to block with a chock2 : HINDER, THWART
He issued an announcement to scotch rumours of his death.
scowl
to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
Mum scowled at him and refused to say anything.
scrap
fragments of discarded or leftover food2 a : a small detached piece
He wrote his address on a scrap of paper.
scrawl to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly
He scrawled his name at the
bottom of the page.
scroll
a roll (as of papyrus, leather, or parchment) for writing a document b archaic : a
written message
I take my time before moving on to the birchbark scrolls.
scrub
a stunted tree or shrub b : vegetation consisting chiefly of scrubs c : a tract covered
with scrub2 : a domestic animal of mixed or unknown parentage and usually inferior
conformation : MONGREL3 : a person of insignificant size or standing
The table needs to be scrubbed clean
scruple to have scruples2 : to show reluctance on grounds of conscience : HESITATE
They made thousands of families homeless without scruple.
scripture a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative
the way God is portrayed in Scripture
scrutable
capable of being deciphered : COMPREHENSIBLE
scrutinize
to examine closely and minutely
He scrutinized the document closely.
scuff
to walk without lifting the feet : SHUFFLE
He'd made no move to leave, however, and scuffed along behind them.
scurrilous
being vulgar and evil
a scurrilous attack on his integrity
seam
the joining of two pieces
She was repairing Billy's trousers, where the seam had come undone.
secede to withdraw from an organization (as a religious communion or political party or
federation)
By 1861, 11 states had seceded from the Union.
seethe BOIL, STEW2 : to soak or saturate in a liquid
He was seething with anger.
sentient responsive to or conscious of sense impressions2 : AWARE3 : finely sensitive in
perception or feeling
Man is a sentient being.
sentinel SENTRY
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Owl Lodge has fine glowing orange owl standing sentinel above the parking lot.
sepulchral
suited to or suggestive of a sepulchre : FUNEREAL, MORTUARY
in the sepulchral gloom of the church
sequester
to seize especially by a writ of sequestration b : to place (property) in custody
especially in sequestration The jury were sequestered during the trial.
seraphic an order of angels see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
She has a seraphic look on her face.
servile of or befitting a slave or a menial position2 : meanly or cravenly submissive : ABJECT
synonyms see SUBSERVIENT He was young and hard-working, though annoyingly servile
setback DEFEAT, REVERSE The December elections were a major setback for the party.
shambles
to walk awkwardly with dragging feet : SHUFFLE
The meeting was a shambles from start to finish.
shoal
SHALLOW a shoal of fish
Green Chromis are ideal in small shoals.
shoddy
inferior, imitative, or pretentious articles or matter b : pretentious vulgarity
We're not paying good money for shoddy goods.
Word List 35
Shriek shrine shroud shuck
shudder shun
shunt
sibilant sibling
sibyl
sidereal simpleton
simulate sinecure sinew
singe
singularity sinuous skew
skewer skillet skiff
skim
skinflint
skirmish skit
slag
slab slake
slander/slanderous
slant
slate
slaughter
sleigh
slew
slick slippage slipshod slither sliver
sloppy
sloth
slouch slough sluggard sluice
slumber slurp
sly smarmy
smattering smear smudge smuggle snare
snarl
sneer
snide
snip snitch snobbish
snub
snug
soak
sobriety sock
sod
Sodden soggy
soil solace solicit/solicitous solicitude
solvent somatic
sonata sonnet soot soothe sop sophistry soporific sorcery sordid souvenir
sow spackle spank sparing sparring
Shriek to utter a sharp shrill sound
They were dragged from their homes, shrieking and weeping.
shrine a case, box, or receptacle; especially : one in which sacred relics
Elvis's home has become a shrine for his fans.
shuck
SHELL, HUSK: as a : the outer covering of a nut or of Indian corn
She shucked off her jacket and ran upstairs.
shudder to tremble convulsively : SHIVER
Maria shuddered as she stepped outside.
shun
to avoid deliberately and especially habitually. Victims of the disease found
themselves shunned by society.
shunt
to turn off to one side. Smith was shunted off to one of the company's smaller offices.
sibilant having, containing, or producing the sound of or a sound resembling that of the s or the
sh
a sibilant whisper
suddenly Hugo heard a harsh sibilant inhalation of breath.
simulate He found it impossible to simulate grief. a machine that simulates conditions in space
sinecure an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income
a job which you get paid for even though you do not have to do very much work
Among the sinecures were chiefly the remaining canonries in cathedrals and colleges.
sinew
solid resilient strength The sinews on his neck stood out like knotted string.
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singe
to burn superficially or lightly : SCORCH The flames had singed her hair.
sinuous of a serpentine or wavy form : WINDING b : marked by strong lithe movements
They followed the sinuous trail deep into the mountains.
skiff
any of various small boats; especially : a flat-bottomed rowboat
A skiff idling up beside a Sea and Shore Department cutter.
skirmish a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
The young soldier was killed in a skirmish with government troops.
skit
a satirical or humorous story or sketch
At least these skits had grown in sophistication since my adolescence.
slag
the dross or scoria of a metal
And the slag is normally tapped off first.
slake
SATISFY, QUENCH *slake your thirst*
Before continuing we slaked thirsts
with warm water from our own bottles - we couldn't find any streams.
slander/slanderous
to utter slander against : DEFAME
He is being sued for slander
slant
a slanting direction, line, or plane : SLOPE 2. a peculiar or personal point of view,
attitude, or opinion
The sun's rays slanted through the trees.
The researchers were accused of slanting their findings in favour of their own beliefs
slate
a piece of construction material (as laminated rock) prepared as a shingle for roofing and
siding
There were several slates missing from the roof.
sleigh
And the two single sleigh beds, side by side.
slew
to turn, twist, or swing about : PIVOT
I lost control of the car and it slewed sideways into the ditch.
slick
having a smooth surface : SLIPPERY 2. characterized by subtlety or nimble wit
The presentation was very slick.
slippage an act, instance, or process of slipping
Slippage on any job will entail slippage on the overall project.
slipshod wearing loose shoes or slippers b : down at the heel : SHABBY
slipshod piece of work The research project was shelved due to slipshod management.
slither to slide on or as if on a loose gravelly surface
He slithered down the muddy bank.
sloppy SLOVENLY, CARELESS *a sloppy dresser* *did sloppy work*
Ann was dressed in a sloppy brown sweater.
sloth
any of the slow-moving arboreal edentate mammals that comprise two genera
ral and South America that moves very slowly, has grey fur, and lives in trees
Workers could be punished for incompetence or sloth.
slouch an awkward fellow : LOUT b : one that is unimpressive; especially : a lazy or
incompetent person
She slouched across the living room.
slough a state of moral degradation or spiritual dejection a state of moral degradation or
spiritual dejection
The president wanted to slough off the country's bad image.
sluggard an habitually lazy person
slumber to sleep lightly : DOZE b : SLEEP2 a : to be in a torpid, slothful, or negligent state
Coleridge wrote the line 'My cradled infant slumbers peacefully' after the death of his son.
slurp
to eat or drink noisily or with a sucking sound
Kids slurped strawberry shakes and ate hamburgers.
sly lightly mischievous : ROGUISH
He leaned forward with a sly smile
smarmy revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, or false earnestness
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a slick, smarmy public relations officer
smattering to speak with spotty or superficial 2. to dabble in
One sees a smattering of them here and there on the otherwise white linen that is set before us.
smudge to make indistinct : BLUR3 : to smoke or protect by means of a smudge
Ella had a smudge of green paint on her cheek.
smuggle Illegal immigrants are smuggled into the country by boat.
sneer
to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt
'Is that your best outfit?' he sneered.
snide
slyly disparaging : INSINUATING *snide remarks* a snide remark about her clothe
snip
to cut or cut off with or as if with shears or scissors
Snip the ends of the beans off before you cook them.
snitch one that snitches : TATTLETALE
Somebody snitched on me. The supermarket
has a problem with kids snitching candy bars off the shelves.
snobbish
being, characteristic of, or befitting a snob
Aunt Harriet was very rich and very snobbish.
snub
to treat with contempt or neglect the boys who had snubbed her in high school
snug
She wished she were back in her snug little house.
sobriety the quality or state of being sober
John had periods of sobriety, but always went back to drinking.
sodden : to become soaked or saturated His shoes were sodden and covered with mud.
soggy
saturated or heavy with water or moisture The sandwiches have gone all soggy .
solace to give solace to : CONSOLE2 a : to make cheerful b : AMUSE
After the death of her son, Val found solace in the church.
solicit/solicitous/ solicitude to make petition to : ENTREAT b : to approach with a request
to offer to have sex with someone in exchange for money
She was arrested for soliciting.
sonata A gentle Mozart sonata drifted round the room.
sonnet a fixed verse form of Italian origin consisting of fourteen lines
Astrophil has been
trying in the sonnet to proceed by imitation and been singularly unsuccessful in doing so.
soot
a black substance formed by combustion
All were cream-colored and even in the darkness looked drab with soot.
soothe to please by or as if by attention or concern : PLACATE2 : RELIEVE, ALLEVIATE
Lucy soothed the baby by rocking it in her arms.
sop
: a piece of food dipped or steeped in a liquid2 : a conciliatory or propitiatory bribe, gift, or
gesture he company agreed to inspect the river regularly, as a sop to the environmental lobby
sophistry/soporific
But Pascal, under the influence of Jansenism, was fundamentally
hostile to the Jesuits and their notorious sophistries.
sordid The whole sordid affair came out in the press.
sparing to be frugal2 : to refrain from doing harm : be lenient
We must be sparing with our resources.
sparring : BOX; especially : to gesture without landing a blow to draw one's opponent or
create an opening
He broke his nose while sparring with Vega.
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Word List 36
spate
specious
specter spike
spineless
spire
splint
splurge
sporadic sprain sprawling
sprightly
spurious
squalid squall: squalor:
squander
squelch
staccato staid
stalk
stalwart stanch stanza
stasis
staple starchy stark
statute steep
stench stethoscope stifle
stilted stipple stipulate stocky stoic
stratify stray
strew
striate
stricture strident stringent
spate: 1 : FRESHET, FLOOD
2 a : a large number or amount *a spate of books on gardening*
b : a sudden or strong outburst : RUSH *a spate of anger*
a spate of burglaries
specious: 1 obsolete : SHOWY 2 : having deceptive attraction or allure 3 : having a false look
of truth or genuineness : SOPHISTIC
a specious argument
specter: 1 : a visible disembodied spirit : GHOST
2 : something that haunts or perturbs the
mind : PHANTASM *the specter of hunger*
The recession is again raising the specter of
unemployment.
spike: a very large nail
a spike in interest rates spike heels:a pair of women's shoes with
very high thin heels
spineless: 1 : free from spines, thorns, or prickles
2a:having
no
spinal
column
:
INVERTEBRATE b : lacking strength of character a bunch of spineless politicians
spire: 1 : a slender tapering blade or stalk (as of grass)
s2 : the upper tapering part of
something
splint: a small plate or strip of metal used in making armor .
After five days we removed the
packing around the splint
splurge: an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure.
Within a couple of months I'd
splurged about £2,500 on clothes.
sporadic: occurring occasionally, singly, or in scattered instances
here has been sporadic
violence downtown.
sprain: a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments.
I fell down the steps and sprained my ankle .
sprawling
to spread or develop irregularly vast, sprawling city
sprightly:
marked by a gay lightness and vivacity
Actually she had been more sprightly
since Mr Paradise, the vet, operated on her thyroid.
Spurious
outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine
qualities : FALSE 3 a : of falsified or erroneously
He demolished the Opposition's spurious
arguments.
squalid: marked by filthiness and degradation from neglect or poverty How can anyone live in
such squalid conditions?
squall: a sudden violent wind often with rain or snow
A violent squall sank both ships.
squalor: the quality or state of being squalid
We lived in squalor for a year and a half.
squander:
to spend extravagantly or foolishly :
They squandered the profits on
expensive cars
squelch: to completely suppress My hair was dripping and my shoes squelched as I walked.
Staccato cut short or apart in performing
Staid
marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint : SOBER, GRAVE .a staid
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old bachelor
Stalk
to pursue quarry or prey stealthily
The next time up the stalk, Jack stole a hen that
laid golden eggs.
Stalwart marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit *stalwart common
sense* Rob's a stalwart of the school's chess club.
Stanch to check or stop the flowing of *stanched her tears; also : to stop the flow of blood
from (a wound)
And at first I tried to stanch my panic by telling myself it was only that: a
show of freedom.
Stanza a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually
recurring pattern of meter and
Adding insult to injury, a double cross awaits our luckless hero
in the final stanza.
Stasis
a slowing or stoppage of the normal flow of a bodily fluid or semifluid
As
has
already been mentioned, the land is associated with stasis and stagnation, with spiritual non-being.
Staple a chief commodity or production of a place
staples like flour and rice
Bananas
and sugar are the staples of Jamaica
Stark
rigid in or as if in death
We are faced with a stark choice.
Statute a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government
Protection for the consumer
is laid down by statute (=established by law) .
Steep
to soak in a liquid at a temperature under the boiling point a town steeped in history
Stench STINK the stench of urine
Stethoscope an instrument used to detect and study sounds produced in the body
Stifle
the joint next above the hock in the hind leg of a quadruped (as a horse or dog)
corresponding to the human knee see HORSE illustration
He was almost stifled by the
fumes
Stilted : to raise on or as if on stilts
a stilted conversation
Stipulate to make an agreement or covenant to do or forbear something : CONTRACT Laws
stipulate the maximum interest rate that banks can charge.
Stocky compact, sturdy, and relatively thick in build
a stocky build ,a blond,stocky boy
Stratify to form, deposit, or arrange in strata
2 a : to divide or arrange into classes, castes, or
social strata a stratified society
Stray
a domestic animal that is wandering at large or is lost
Three of the soldiers
strayed into enemy territory.
Strew
to spread by scattering
The street was strewn with broken glass.
Striate STRIATED having narrow lines or bands of colour
Stricture an adverse criticism : CENSURE
religious strictures on marriage
Strident characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound *a strident voice* the strident
calls of seagulls
Stringent TIGHT, CONSTRICTED
2 : marked by rigor, strictness, or severity especially with
regard to rule or standard
3 : marked by money scarcity and credit strictness
stringent air safety regulations
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Word List 37
Strut
stroll
stubborn
stultify stunning
stunt
stupor stygian
suborn subpoena
stylus
substance
subsume
subterfuge succor
succumb
suffocate
suffrage
sulky
sullen sultry summon
sumptuous sunder supercilious supine supple suppliant
surcharge
surly
surmise
surmount
surreptitious
surrogate
susceptibility
surreptitious
suture svelte
swamp sway
swerve
swill
swindle swine
swirl
sybarite
sycophant
syllabus
symmetry
synergic synopsis
syringe taciturn tackle tackiness
tadpole
talisman
tally
talon
tambourine
Strut
to walk with a proud gait b : to walk with a pompous and affected air
I
strutted around Chicago as if I were really somebody.
stroll
to walk in a leisurely or idle manner : We were strolling along, laughing and joking.
stultify to allege or prove to be of unsound mind and hence not responsible2 : to cause to appear
or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical3 a : to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective a
stultifying office environment
stunt
to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress
Lack of sunlight will
stunt the plant's growth.
stupor a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility
We
found him lying at the bottom of the stairs in a drunken stupor .
stygian
extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
the Stygian gloom She lowered her
head and entered the Stygian darkness.
suborn to induce secretly to do an unlawful thing an attempt to suborn a witness
subpoena
a writ commanding a person designated in it to appear in court under a penalty
for failure
Another three of the president's advisors were subpoenaed.
Substance
The substance of his argument was that people on welfare should work.
subterfuge deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade
Sereni
was lured to Moscow by subterfuge.
succor to go to the aid of : RELIEVE
hey give succour to the victims of war.
suffocate
to stop the respiration of
The animal seizes its prey by the throat and
suffocates it to death.
sulky
sulking or given to spells of sulking
He put on a sulky expression.
sultry very hot and humid : SWELTERING *a sultry day* b : burning hot : TORRID
2 a : hot with passion or anger b : exciting or capable of exciting strong sexual desire She
threw Carlo a sultry glance.
supine lying on the back or with the face upward b : marked by supination
a supine and
cowardly press
supple capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : PLIANT She
exercises every day to keep herself supple.
surly
1 obsolete : ARROGANT, IMPERIOUS2 : irritably sullen and churlish in mood or
manner : CRABBED3 : menacing or threatening in appearance I declined to tip the porter, who
left with a surly expression.
surmise
a thought or idea based on scanty evidence : CONJECTURE When he came in, he
didn't look up, so she surmised that he was in a bad mood.
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surmount
to surpass in quality or attainment : EXCEL He has had to surmount
immense physical disabilities.
surreptitious
done, made, or acquired by stealth : CLANDESTINE
Rory tried to
sneak a surreptitious glance at Adam’s wristwatch.
susceptibility
the quality or state of being susceptible; especially : lack of ability to
resist some extraneous agent (as a pathogen or drug) : SENSITIVITY
One of the side effects
of the drug is an increased susceptibility to infections.
suture a strand or fiber used to sew parts of the living body a stitch that is used to sew a
wound together
All nautiloids have simple suture lines.
svelte
SLENDER, LITHE b : having clean lines : SLEEK She was slim, svelte, and
sophisticated.
swamp a wetland often partially or intermittently covered with water; especially : one the
soft, swampy ground
But witnesses in a nearby aircraft said the plane flew directly into the
swamp.
sway
the action or an instance of swaying or of being swayed : an oscillating, fluctuating, or
sweeping motion
The trees swayed gently in the breeze.
swerve to turn aside abruptly from a straight line or course : DEVIATE
The car swerved
sharply to avoid the dog.
swill
to drink great drafts of : GUZZLE 3 : to feed (as a pig) with swill
He swilled his
brandy gently round his glass.
swindle to obtain money or property by fraud or deceit a
businessman who swindled
investors out of millions of pounds
swine
pig
sybarite from the notorious luxury of the Sybarites
sycophant
a servile self-seeking flatterer
a dictator surrounded by sycophants
synopsis
a condensed statement or outline (as of a narrative or treatise) : ABSTRACT a
synopsis of the play
tackle : hackle a set of the equipment used in a particular activity : GEAR *fishing tackle*
It took twelve fire engines to tackle the blaze .
tackiness
the quality or state of being tacky
tally
a part that corresponds to an opposite or companion member : COMPLEMENT b : a
state of correspondence or agreement
He was said to keep a tally, an account of all his
cases.
talon
the claw of an animal and especially of a bird of prey b : a finger or hand of a
human being a sharp powerful curved nail on the feet of so
Grasped tightly in its sharp
talons was an ancient key.s
tambourine a small drum; especially
a circular musical instrument consisting of a frame
covered with skin or plastic and small pieces of metal that hang around the edge. You shake it or
hit it with your han
Percy can play anything from the triangle to the tambourine.
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Word List 38
Tamp
tangential
tangible tangle tangy
tantalize tantrum tapestry tare tardy
tarnish tarpaulin
tart
tatty
tawdry taxonomist tease
tedium
telling temerity
tempest
tempestuous
tempo
temporize
tenable
tenacious
tend
tenet
tenor
tender
temptation tentative
tenure
tepid
termite
terminology testament
testy
tether thatch thaw
therapeutic
thicket throng thrust thwart tickler ticklish timbre tined
tinker
tint tirade titular toady
toil toll tongs
tonic
t
tonsorial topple
torpid torque tortuous
totem
touchy toupee tourniquet tout
toxin
toy
tract
traitor trajectory
trample trance
tangible capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch
tangle to unite or knit together in intricate confusion
His parachute became tangled in the
wheels of the plane.
tangy
having or suggestive of a tang ,smell The beer had a sharp, bitter tang.
tantalize to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but
continually keeping it out of reach
It was wiser not to tantalize oneself.
tantrum a fit of bad temper
She throws a tantrum when she can't have the toy she wants.
tapestry a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery and
characterized by complicated pictorial designs a colourful tapestry depicting a hunting scene
tardy
moving slowly : SLUGGISH
people who are tardy in paying their bills
tarnish to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : SOIL, STAIN
Gold
does not tarnish easily.
tart
agreeably sharp or acid to the taste
'I don't think so!' she replied tartly.
tatty
rather worn, frayed, or dilapidated : SHABBY a few tatty old chairs
taxonomist the study of the general principles of scientific classification : SYSTEMATICS
Another taxonomy for political systems is based on the system of political parties.
tease
to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or
mischievous way
Don't get upset. I was only teasing .
tedium
the quality or state of being tedious : the tedium of everyday life
temerity
an act or instance of temerity synonyms TEMERITY, AUDACITY, HARDIHOOD,
He actually had the temerity to tell her to lose weight.
tempest
a violent storm
Everything swept so clean By tempest, wind and rain!
tempo
the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of
directions (as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking2 : rate of motion
or activity : PACE
the easy tempo of island life
tenable
capable of being held, maintained, or defended : DEFENSIBLE, REASONABLE
an idea which is no longer tenable
tenet
a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true
the main tenet of his
philosophy
tenor
a continuance in a course, movement, or activity 2.the drift of something
spoken or written : PURPORT
Many voters admitted being disturbed by the tenor of the
election campaign.
tentative
not fully worked out or developed
I passed on my
tentative conclusions to the police.
terminology the technical or special terms used in a business, art, science, or special subject
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computer terminology
testy
easily annoyed : IRRITABLE.It had been a long day, and Sarah was getting a little testy.
tether something (as a rope or chain) by which an animal is fastened so that it can range only
within a set radius By then Diana was truly at the end of her tether.
thatch to cover with or as if with thatch As she stepped out into the moonlight, two magpies
landed on the thatch.
thaw
to go from a frozen to a liquid state
The lake thawed in March.
thicket a dense growth of shrubbery or small trees : COPPICE
He was working in a thicket
of briar, elder and dead wood from a fallen tree
thrust to push or drive with force : SHOVE He thrust me roughly towards the door.
thwart to run counter to so as to effectively oppose or baffle Fierce opposition thwarted the
government's plans.
tined
a slender pointed projecting part : PRONG
tinker a usually itinerant mender of household utensils b : an unskillful mender : BUNGLER
Congress has been tinkering with the legislation.
tint slight degree of color paper with a yellowish tint
tirade a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious
language
He launched into a tirade against the church.
titular existing in title only; especially
: bearing a title derived from a defunct
ecclesiastical jurisdiction (as an episcopal see) She was the titular head of our harem
toil long strenuous fatiguing labor
I've been toiling away at this essay all weekend.
toll a tax or fee paid for some liberty or privilege (as of passing over a highway or bridge)
The death toll has risen to 83.
Tonic
increasing or restoring physical or mental tone : REFRESHING b : yielding a tonic
substance
She sat and sipped a gin and tonic.
topple OVERTHROW 2 b : DEFEAT A stack of plates swayed, and began to topple over.
torpid 1 a : having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling : DORMANT, NUMB b :
sluggish in functioning or acting *a torpid frog* *a torpid mind*2 : lacking in energy or vigor :
APATHETIC, DULL By 1976, the union had become torpid, old, and bureaucratic.
torque a usually metal collar or neck chain worn by the ancient Gauls, Germans, and Britons
But it's more than power the kit provides-it also offers a massive boost in torque.
tourniquet a device (as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to check bleeding or blood flow
Her right arm had gone to sleep below the tourniquet.
tout
to praise or publicize loudly or extravagantly
Minicab drivers are not allowed to
tout for business. Slick ads tout everything from beauty products to electronic gadgets.
Toy
flirtatious or seductive behavior I've been toying with the idea of going to Japan to
visit them.
tract
an area either large or small: as a : an indefinite stretch of land 2. a pamphlet or leaflet
of political or religious propaganda
a tract on the dangers of drink
vast tracts of
woodland
trample TRAMP; especially : to tread heavily so as to bruise, crush, or injure There was a
small fence to stop people trampling on the flowers.
Trance a state of partly suspended animation or inability to function
he went into a deep
hypnotic trance.
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Word List 39
Transcendtal transcribe
transgress
transitory
trapeze traverse
travesty treason treatise
tremor trenchant
trepidation trespass
tribunal trickle trifle
trilogy
trinket trio
tripod trite
trophy trowel truancy truculent
trudge grudge drudge truncate truss
tuber
tumult turgid turmoil turncoat turpitude
turquoise
turret
tussle
tusk
tuxedo twig
twinge typo
tyro
ubiquitous ulcer
umbrage
umpire unanimous unbecoming unconscionable uncouth
unctuous
undergird
underlying undesirable unearthly
unfailing
unflappable ungainly unguent unimpeachable
unkempt unobtrusive
unpalatable unpretentious
unregenerate unremitting proverb
transitory
tending to pass away : not persistent2 : of brief duration : TEMPORARY
the transitory nature of young love
travesty to make a travesty of : PARODY O'Brien described his trial as a travesty of justice .
treason the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to a
treasonable act against the head of state
treatise a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the
facts and principles involved and conclusions reached
a treatise on medical ethics
trenchant
KEEN, SHARP2 : vigorously effective and articulate Stockman became one
of the President’s most trenchant critics.
trepidation archaic
: a tremulous motion : TREMOR2 : timorous uncertain agitation :
With some trepidation , I opened the door.
trickle to issue or fall in drops b : to flow in a thin gentle stream
The tears trickled
down her cheeks.
trifle
something of little value, substance, or importance
There's no point in arguing
over trifles.
trinket : a small ornament (as a jewel or ring
House rules allow only minor gifts such as
shirts and souvenir trinkets.
trite
hackneyed or boring from much use : not fresh or original
Her remarks sounded trite and ill-informed.
trophy something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted
as a memorial
A lion's head was among the trophies of his African trip.
trowel any of various hand tools used to apply, spread, shape, or smooth loose or plastic
'I really don't feel too good,' I croaked, laying it on with a trowel.
truancy an act or instance of playing truant : the state of being truant
the school's truancy rate
truculent feeling or displaying ferocity : CRUEL, SAVAGE
The National Assembly was being truculent over the budget proposals.
tumult : disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of
voices : COMMOTION
The whole country is in tumult.
turgid : being in a state of distension : SWOLLEN, TUMID a turgid Social Science textbook
turpitude
inherent baseness : DEPRAVITY
Laziness and moral turpitude
tussle
: a physical contest or struggle : SCUFFLE
2 : an intense argument, controversy,
or struggle
After quite a tussle, I finally wrenched the letter from him.
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umbrage SHADE, SHADOW
2 : shady branches : FOLIAGE
Ever a stickler for protocol, he and his wife took umbrage at the democratic etiquette of President
umpire one having authority to decide finally a controversy or question between parties
Mack was thrown out of the game for hitting an umpire.
unbecoming not according with the standards appropriate to one's position or condition of life
conduct unbecoming to a teacher
unconscionable not guided or controlled by conscience
The war caused an unconscionable amount of suffering.
uncouth : not known or not familiar to one : seldom experienced : UNCOMMON, RARE b
obsolete
: MYSTERIOUS, UNCANNY2 a : strange or clumsy in shape or appearance
The city's elite viewed her as an uncouth farm girl.
undergird
to make secure underneath *took measures to undergird the ship Acts 27:17
(Revised Standard Version)*2 : to form the basis or foundation of
undesirable not desirable : UNWANTED
The drug may have other undesirable effects.
unflappable marked by assurance and self-control having the ability to stay calm and not
become upset, even in difficult situations
A good radio-host must be unflappable.
unguent : a soothing or healing salve : OINTMENT
synonym ointment
unobtrusive not obtrusive : not blatant, arresting, or aggressive : INCONSPICUOUS
The staff are trained to be unobtrusive.
unpalatable not palatable : DISTASTEFUL *unpalatable wines*2 : UNPLEASANT,
DISAGREEABLE *
an idea that's unpalatable to most people
unpretentious
free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation : MODEST
an unpretentious, well-written comedy
unremitting not remitting : CONSTANT, INCESSANT
The group faced unremitting hostility from the FBI.
proverb a brief popular epigram or maxim : ADAGE
An Irish proverb is relevant here
-- 'You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather is.'
provoke
Word List 40
Unrepentant unrequited unscrupulous
unseemly
unspotted
unsubstantiated unstinting untapped
untutored
unwitting
upbraid upgrade upheaval
uproar upstage upswing urgent usurp
usury
vacillate vaccine vacuous vagary vagrancy
valedictory/valediction valiant
valorous vandalism
vanilla vanity vanquish
vaporous
rapid
variegate
varnish vaunting veer venal
vendetta veneer vengeance
vengeful venial venom ventriloquist veracious
verbiage verbose verdant
verdict verdigris
verified veritable
vernacular vertigo verve
vestigial veterinary
veto
vex vibrant vicar
vicarious
vicissitudinous
vigilant vile
vilify
unscrupulous
not scrupulous : UNPRINCIPLED
Isn't it time we did something to protect the elderly from unscrupulous business people?
unseemly
not seemly: as a : not according with established standards of good form or
taste
Ann thought it unseemly to kiss her husband in public.
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unwitting
not knowing : UNAWARE *kept the truth from their unwitting friends* 2.not
intent
Friedmann had unwittingly broken the law.
upbraid : 1 : to criticize severely : find fault with2 : to reproach severely : scold vehemently
He is reported to have upbraided his commanders for including political content in briefings
uproar a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance
The house was in an uproar, with babies crying and people shouting.
upswing an upward swing2 : a marked increase or improvement
often used in the phrase on
And his writing took a dramatic upswing.
usurp
to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right
*usurp a throne* There were a couple of attempts to usurp the young king.
usury
In medieval times, it was illegal for Christians to practise usury.
vacillate to sway through lack of equilibrium b : FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE2 : to waver in
mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses
Her parents vacillated between different approaches to discipline.
vacuous emptied of or lacking content2 : marked by lack of ideas or intelligence : STUPID,
INANE
a vacuous romantic novel
vagary/ vagrancy an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion
the vagaries of the English weather
valedictory/valediction of or relating to a valediction : expressing or containing a farewell
a valedictory speech
valiant/ valorous : possessing or acting with bravery or boldness : COURAGEOUS *valiant
soldiers*2 : marked by, exhibiting, or carried out with courage or determination : HEROIC
Tarr threw himself in front of a train in a valiant effort to save the child.
vandalism
willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property
Coun Oliver Blease said it would be an act of civic vandalism.
vanilla Add eggs and vanilla and stir in other ingredients.
vanity something that is vain, empty, or valueless
Sabrina had none of the vanity so often associated with beautiful women.
vanquish
to overcome in battle : subdue completely2 : to defeat in a conflict or contest
She wouldn't be as easy to vanquish as she had been outside the Feelgood Saloon
variegate to diversify in external appearance especially with different colors : DAPPLE2 : to
enliven or give interest to by means of variety
Sometimes, the leaves of variegated plants clash with the colours of their own flowers.
vaunting to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments
There's little sign that the much-vaunted IT investment is pulling France out of recession.
veer of the wind : to shift in a clockwise direction compare BACK2 : to change direction or
course
A tanker driver died when his lorry veered off the motorway.
venal
capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration
His venality has discredited Parliament.
vendetta BLOOD FEUD
He accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him.
veneer a thin sheet of a material: as a : a layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to
be glued to an inferior wood
A thin veneer of politeness hid Lady Bride's growing anger.
Vengeance/vengeful
: punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense :
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RETRIBUTION
Nothing can justify the gunmens' senseless acts of vengeance.
venial of a kind that can be remitted : FORGIVABLE, PARDONABLE;
He had compounded a number of venial failings with the mortal sin of adultery.
venom : poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees)
The viper paralyses its prey by injecting it with venom.
veracious
TRUTHFUL, HONEST2 : marked by truth : ACCURATE
verbiage
: a profusion of words usually of little or obscure content
Cut out the excess verbiage.
verbose containing more words than necessary : WORDY
For once, his usually verbose wife was content to listen.
verdant green in tint or color
Here in the verdant environs of Forest House is unchanged rural Essex.
verdict the finding or decision of a jury on the matter submitted to it in trial
The jury has retired to consider its verdict .
verdigris a green or greenish blue poisonous pigment resulting from the action of acetic acid on
copper and consisting of one or more basic copper acetates
The latter needed a polish, having become tarnished and covered with verdigris.
veritable
being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary often used
to stress the aptness of a metaphor
The area is a veritable paradise for those who love walking and swimming.
vernacular using a language or dialect native to a region or country rather than a literary,
Galileo wrote in the vernacular to reach a larger audience.
vestigial a bodily part or organ that is small and degenerate or imperfectly developed
The legs of snakes are vestigial or absent altogether.
veterinary
: of, relating to, or being the science and art of prevention, cure, or alleviation of
disease and injury in animals and especially domestic animals
Some have had pneumonia and others need veterinary attention.
vicarious serving instead of someone or something else b : that has been delegated
the vicarious pleasure that parents get from their children's succes
vicissitudinous
marked by or filled with vicissitudes
vigilant alertly watchful especially to avoid danger synonyms see WATCHFUL
lease remain vigilant at all times and report anything suspicious.
vilify
to lower in estimation or importance2. to utter slanderous and abusive statements
against : DEFAME
Johnson was vilified in the press for refusing to resign.
Word List 41
Vindicate
viscid
volatile
votary
wan
wastrel
whiff
vindictive
vitiate
vitrify
volley voluble
vulture
waddle
wanderlust waver
watershed
weasel
whim
whimsical
vintner viral
virtuosity
virtuoso virulent
vitriolic vituperate
vivacious
vogue
voluminous voluptuous vouch vulgar
waffle waft(raft)
wag/waggish walrus
wean
warmonger warp
wardrobe
well-groomed
welter wheedle whet
whittle wholesome wicked willful wilt wily
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wince
windbag winding
wink
windy winnow winsome
wistful
wither withhold
witticism
wizened wobble woe
wrangler
wrench
writ wrinkle wry
xenophobe xerophyte
yarn
yearn
yeast
yielding yoke
yokel
zealotry zenith zephyr zest
Vindicate
to free from allegation or blame
The charges are false, and we are sure we will be vindicated in court.
vindictive
disposed to seek revenge
a bitter and vindictive old man
virtuosity
a taste for or interest in virtu2 : great technical skill (as in the practice of a fine art)
the guitarist's amazing technical virtuosity
virtuoso one skilled in or having a taste for the fine arts3 : one who excels in the technique of an
art;
violin virtuoso Stephane Grappelli
virulent marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course
a particularly virulent form of influenza
vitrify : to convert into glass or a glassy substance by heat and fusion
If a substance vitrifies or is vitrified, it changes into glass
vitriolic a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc); especially : a glassy
hydrate of such a sulfate
Where does this vitriolic woman get her information from?
vituperate
to abuse or censure severely or abusively : BERATE
Joyce managed to develop and moderate his style of vituperative public rhetoric.
vivacious
He married a vivacious girl called Sarah who he met at university.
vogue
the leading place in popularity or acceptance
the vogue for large families in the pre-war years
voluble
easily rolling or turning : ROTATING2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech :
GLIB, FLUENT
Clarissa was extremely voluble on the subject of good manner
voluptuous suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form 2 given to or spent in
enjoyments of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications
Everyone turned to look at Gordon and his voluptuous mistress as they entered the room.
vouch to summon into court to warrant or defend a title
I'll vouch for the quality of the report. I read it last night.
waft(raft)
: to move or go lightly on or as if on a buoyant medium
Cooking smells wafted up from downstairs.
wag/waggish to move to and fro or up and down especially with quick jerky motions
'You naughty girl!' Mom said, wagging her finger at me.
wan
lacking vitality : FEEBLE
She gave a wan smile.
wean
to accustom (as a child) to take food otherwise than by nursing
It's time to start weaning her onto solid foods.
wastrel one who dissipates resources foolishly and self-indulgently : PROFLIGATE
But these two spent their gifts like wastrels.
well-groomed
well-dressed and scrupulously neat
A well-groomed young couple sat at the table next to ours
welter to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved3 : to be in turmoil
There is a welter of information on the subject.
wheedle to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
She even managed to wheedle more money out of him.
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whiff
a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke
As she walked past, I caught a whiff of her perfume.
Whim /whimsical a capricious or eccentric and often sudden idea or turn of the mind : FANCY
I didn't leave just on a whim (=for no good reason) .
whittle to pare or cut off chips from the surface of (wood) with a knife 2 : to reduce, remove,
or destroy gradually as
We need to whittle down the list of guests for the party.
wholesome promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit2 : promoting health of body
The food is fresh, wholesome and imaginative.
wilt to lose turgor from lack of water
Marigolds are a strong breed, less likely to wilt than other plants.
wily
full of wiles : CRAFTY. Breen had a reputation for being a tough and wily negotiator.
wince
to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain) : FLINCH
I still wince at the thought of that terrible evening.
wink
to shut one eye briefly as a signal or in teasing2 : to close and open the eyelids quickly
He winked mischievously at Erica.
winnow to remove (as chaff) by a current of air (2) : to get rid of
We need to winnow the list of candidates to three.
winsome
generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence
a winsome smile
Any winsome volunteers to take over?
wistful : full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy;
'That's the house where I was born,' she said wistfully.
wither to become dry and sapless; especially 2 : to lose vitality, force, or freshness
And Basho: On a journey, ill, and over fields all withered, dreams go wandering.
wizened to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of
He barely recognized her wizened face and haggard features.
wobble to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or unsteadily and
clumsily from side to side
Tom stopped, wobbling from the weight of his load.
The President appeared to wobble over sending the troops in.
woe
used to express grief, regret, or distress . Woe betide anyone who smokes in our
house!
wrangler
a bickering disputant2.cowboy
In 1862 he won a minor scholarship to Trinity
College, Cambridge, and graduated third wrangler in 1866.
Wry
TWIST, WRITHE2.to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry
Was it as bad as you expected?' Travis gave a wry smile.
In an atmosphere of growing xenophobia many foreigners were deported or even imprisoned.
yeast
Another, newer type of yeast is gaining in popularity.
Yielding The ground gave under their feet, a yielding mire of rain-sodden dead leaves.
zealotry : excess of zeal : fanatical devotion
Anti-abortion zealots are responsible for the bombing of the clinic.
zenith the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the nadir and vertically above
the observer2 : the highest point reached in the heavens by a celestial body
The Roman Empire reached its zenith around the year 100.
zephyr : a breeze from the west b : a gentle breeze
Not a bird, not an insect, not a zephyr relieves that hot, heavy silence.
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