Term
|
Definition
: formal resignation and renunciation of powers
King George VI stammered when speaking and abhorred giving speeches, but his father's death followed by his brother David's abdication meant that he was required to give many more. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image
: disorder in one's mental state
: state or condition markedly different from the norm
Lars fell in love with a life-sized doll; despite this aberration, he and his doll were much loved by the community. |
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Term
|
Definition
: temporary cessation or suspension
Her eating disorder was in abeyance in the presence of her family (who routinely made sure she was well), but once she moved away to college, her life spiraled out of control and she resorted to extreme dieting and exercising to keep her emotions at bay. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
: formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief; usually under pressure
Under Hitler's prosecution, some Jews abjured their religious beliefs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: to repeal or do away with
By signing the form, they abrogated their right to sue the institution in the case of injury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: run away; usually includes taking something or someone along
My attempted to abscond prison with his cousin but in the end only escaped by himself. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
A great fan of nature, I like my bed abutting the window. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
: producing no fruit
Due to the severe drought, all of the apple trees on the farm were acarpous. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: an increase in a beneficiary's share in an estate
: an increase in land resulting from water borne sediment
: growth by addition as by adhesion
The accretion of seaglass on the shores of this beach is what makes it such an exciting shore to comb. |
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Term
|
Definition
: being mixed with extraneous material
Unadulterated happiness is joy untainted by other emotions. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: liveliness and eagerness
When offered a summer position at UMBC's REU program, I (somewhat naively) accepted with alacrity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: to bring or combine together or with something else
Individually, they were strong, amalgamated, they were even stronger.
"amalgamated colleges, amalgamated industries" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: to make better
Claire woke up feeling nauseous, but her symptoms ameliorated by the end of the evening. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
: reduce or extinguish (a debt) by money regularly put aside
: gradually write off an initial cost (of an asset)
She had over $200,000 in loans which would be amortized by working and saving responsibly. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
The best posters at SURF will be the ones that are not abstruse -- ones that the general public can understand. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: sharply contrasted in character or purpose
Suspicion is the antithesis of trust. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: marked by a lack of interest
"an apathetic audience" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: great coolness and composure under strain
He was a professional, handling his daughter's surgery with great aplomb. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party of friend etc
Never very religious, she was an apostate from the Jewish religion when Hitler began prosecuting Jews. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
: elevation of a person (as to the status of a god
: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
Appearing as Hamlet was the apotheosis of his career |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: to inform someone or something
"I thought it right to apprise Chris of what happened" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: official recognition or approval
The opera was met with high approbation at the King's ball. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: give or assign a share of money or time to a particular person or cause
"I will appropriate this money for your research" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: of an appropriate or pertinent nature; at an opportune time
: by the way
"Your letter arrived apropos"
"Apropos, can you lend me some money?" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
"an apt reply" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: an act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
"He arbitrated the family dispute" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: enthusiastic or passionate; burning and glowing
"ardent admirers" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: intense feeling of love
"They were imbued with a revolutionary ardor" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: difficult to accomplish, demanding considerable mental effort and will
"the arduous work of preparing a dictionary" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: lingo, a characteristic of a particular group (as among thieves)
"they don't speak our argot" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: be careful or certain to do something
"He ascertained that the valves were closed" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: to practice self-denial as spiritual discipline
Fasting is an ascetic ritual |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: attribute or credit to
"We ascribe this quotation to Shakespeare" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: harshness of manner
: something hard to endure
"the asperity of northern winters"
"Gobbert spoke to his students with some asperity" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
"Don't worry, I don't think anyone is casting aspersions on you" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
:marked by care and persistent effort
"assicuous research" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
provide relief from pain
"This pill will assuage your headaches" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: a drug that causes contraction of body tissues and canals
: tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
: sour or bitter in taste
"astringent cosmetic lotions" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
marked by hardheaded intelligence
"an astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: the act of making amends, especially in appeasing a deity
:satisfaction, reparation, or expiation given for an injury or wrong |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: become weaker in strength, value, or magnitude
"the attenuated tones of an old recording" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
: disposed to venture or take risks
"audacious visions of the total conquest of space" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
:an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come
"he hoped it was an augury" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| :profoundly honored, of or befitting a lord |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a favorable omen, a divine or prophetic token
derived from Latin: one who looks at birds, a diviner who reads omens from the observed flight or birds |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
attended by favorable circumstances
"an auspicious beginning for the campaign" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
practicing great self-denial; stern or strict bearing
"an austere expression" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to declare or affirm solemnity and formally as true
to report or maintain
"He averred he was innocent of the allegations" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| to admit openly and bluntly, make no bones about |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
"Bill shot a baleful look in her direction" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
obvious and dull
"banal conversation" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
something that causes misery or death
"the bane of my existence" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| shop where variety of goods are sold |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
declared a dead person to be blessed; the first step of achieving sainthood; fill with sublime emotion
"The children were beatified at the prospect of going to the movies" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
dress up garishly and tastelessly
"When Daisy bedizen herself to impress tout San Francisco..." |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
represent falsely
"This statement belies my intentions" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
:having or showing a disposition to fight
"bellicose young officers" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| someone who helps people or institutions (financially) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
severely scold or criticize
"The mother berated the child for entering the stranger's car" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
sorrowful through loss or deprivation
"bereft of hope" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from his own |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| flattery intended to persuade |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
carefree and happy and lighthearted;
lacking or showing lack of due concern
"she spoke with blithe ignorance of the true situation"
"a merry blithesome nature" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
violently agitated and turbulent
"boisterous winds and waves" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
support and strengthen; prop up with a pillow; a pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows
"bolster the seat of the chair"
"bolster morale" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
ill-mannered and coarse and contemptible in behavior or appearance
He was boorish and insensitive |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
offensively bold; presumptuously daring
"a brash thing to say" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
face with defiance or impudence; unconstrained by convention or propriety
"brazen arrogance" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest especially of beef |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| decorative pin worn by women; bring up a topic for discussion |
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|
Term
|
Definition
grow and flourish
"a burgeoning administration" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the property of being smooth and shiny
"burnish the wooden floors" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act; a secret of political clique; engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy
"a cabal of dissidents"
conspired |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
ask for and get free; be a parasite; obtain or seek by wheedling
"He is always cadging cigarettes from his friends" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an instrument for measure the distance between two points |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
"The journalists have calumniated me!"
Sully, defame |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an abusive attack on a person's character or name |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an oil painting on canvas; get the opinions of people by asking specific questions; solicit votes from potential voters |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
person of nearly the same age as another; of the same period
When two things happen at the same time, they are coeval |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
powerfully persuasive, having the power to convince
"a cogent argument", "cogent analysis of the problem" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| consider carefully and deeply, turn over in one's mind |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
having knowledge or understanding
"our youth are cognizant of the law" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
secret or illegal conspiracy
"SOme of his employees were acting on a collusion to rob him" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
express approval of; give to in charge
"She commended his paintings", "I commend my children to you" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
mix together different elements
"His book comingles sarcasm and sadness" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
in a self-satisfied manner
"He complacently lived out his life as a second grade teacher" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a disposition or tendency to yield to the will or wishes of others |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a feeling of deep regret(usually for some misdeed)
He spent the money without compunction |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
excuse, overlook, make allowances for, be lenient with
"condone someone's behavior" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
make contact or come together
"The two roads conjoin here" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| what you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
"To her consternation, she realized she was in over her head" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
look down on with disdain
"He contemns the people he has to work for" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree
"a contentious nature" "bellicose young officers"
litigious, bellicose |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
very close or connected in space or time
"contiguous events" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
feeling regret for a fault or offense; feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
She may get away with a warning if she seems contrite and'or genuinely confused |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
stubbornly resistant to authority
"a contumacious witness is subject to punishment" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
call together
"The students were convoked in the auditorium" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| highly involved or intricate |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| strong flavored sweet liquor usually drunk after a meal |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| adornment consisting of an ornamental ribbon or cord |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
having material or physical from or substance
"That which is created is of necessity corporeal and visible and tangible" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
confirmation that some fact or statement is true
"However there was no corroboration to show that the money was actually paid" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
expression of a face
"her sad countenance" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
"This will countervail the foolish actions of my colleagues" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
secret or hidden; not openly practiced
"The covert actions of the CIA" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
immoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth
"casting covetous eyes on his neighbor's fields" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
an abject coward; lacking even the rudiments of courage
A craven proposal to raise the white flag |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
utterly hopeless
"abject poverty" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| tendency to believe readily |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
disposed to believe on little evidence
"this gimmick would convince none but the most credulous" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a crusty irascible cantankerous old person full of stubborn ideas |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
hasty and without attention to detail
"a cursory inspection failed to reveal the house's structural flaws" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
place restrictions on
"curtail drinking in school" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| someone who is critical of the motives of others |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
an acute insufficiency, especially of food
"There is a dearth of evidence" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a sudden and violent collapse |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| propriety in manners and conduct |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
express strong disapproval of
"We decry the racism in South Africa" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
submit or yield to another's wish or opinion
"in deference of your wishes" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| describe in vivid detail; trace the shape of; represented accurately or precisely |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the rising of a body of water; a heavy rain |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an orator who appeals to the passions and prejudices of his audience |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a formal objection to an opponent's pleadings
"He wanted him to be treasurer but he demurred" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
"The journalists have denigrated me!" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work
"Weakness in the denouement never makes for a good story" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
speak out against
"I denounce the Nazis" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
express strong disapproval of
"I deplore this hostile action" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| removing a powerful person from a position or office |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
"deprave the young people with wine and women"
corrupt, debauch |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
belittle
"the teacher should not deprecate the student's efforts" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
deliberate or conscious neglect
"ghost town of derelict buildings"
"any officer who does less is derelict of his or her duties" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the act of treating with contempt |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to catch sight of
"the lookout descried land" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a substance that promotes drying
"calcium oxide is a desiccant because it absorbs water and removes moisture" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a state of inactivity or disuse
"New words are being formed while others lapse into desuetude" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
so thin as to transmit light
"a hat with a diaphanous veil"
"diaphanous wings of a butterfly" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a bitter, sharply abusive attack or criticism
"repeated diatribes against a senator" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
lack of self-confidence; showing modest reserve
"stood in the doorway diffident and abashed"
"she was diffident when offering a comment on the lecture" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
using cautious slow strategy to wear down opposition; wasting time; inclined to waste time and lag behind
"a dilatory strategy"
"because all deadlines are enforced, no dilatory conduct is tolerated" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to free somebody from an erroneous belief
Disabuse yourself from the belief that a PhD can come with perseverance |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to cause to lose one's composure
"I was discomfitted by the question" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| not in agreement or harmony |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
show disapproval by discouraging; look with disfavor on
"D.A.R.E. officers discountenanced underage smoking and smoking in general" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness; not sincere
"a disingenuous excuse" "a disingenuous apology" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to bring from obscurity into view; dig up for reburial or for medical investigation
"the actors's autobiography disinterred a new era" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
including markedly dissimilar elements
"a disparate aggregate of creeds and songs and prayers" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to give false or misleading appearance
"He dissembled his disappointment"
"She dissembled innocence" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
cause to become widely known; to scatter or spread widely
"she want to africa and disseminated information about safe drinking water" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to scatter in various directions, expel, spend wastefully
"to dissipate a fortune"
"dissipate a talent"
"the dissipation of the mist" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the termination of a relationship, meeting |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the act of divesting (to strip away or deprive);
the act of a corporation getting rid of a subsidary
"to re-examine the company's divestiture" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a comic verse of irregular measure
" he heard some silly doggerel that kept running through his mind" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
an official system of principles concerning faith
of or of the nature of a dogma; asserting opinion in an arrogant manner |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the intolerance and prejudice of a bigot |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a person who is not very bright |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| worthless material that should be removed; the scum formed by oxidation at the surface of molten metals |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| person who is tricked or swindled |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| acting in bad faith; deception by pretending to entertain one set of intentions while acting under the influence of another |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
compulsory force or threat
"confessed under duress" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| overflowing with enthusiasm |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
of worldwide scope or applicability; pertaining to the whole Christian church
"an ecumenical movement" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
devouring or craving food in great quantities
"edacious vultures"
rapacious, voracious |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| flow in a circular current |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay
"an effete, over-refined society" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
capacity or power to produce a desired result
"concern about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to;
"the obvious effrontery to the court should not go unnoticed"
impertinence, imprudence, cheek |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the act of coming or going out; becoming apparent
"Water egressed from the hole in the wall" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a mournful poem, a lament for the dead |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| to convert money or property fraudulently to one's own use |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| derived from experience and observation rather than theory |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| formal expression of praise; a speech or writing that praises something or someone highly |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a plant that is native to a certain limited area; disease that is constantly present to a greater or lesser degree
"the islands have a number of interesting endemic species" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
weaken mentally or morally; disturb the composure of
"the nerves enervate the epithelium" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
make children; produce, give rise to
"Hatred engenders violence" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the feeling of a hostile person; a state of deep-seated ill will
"he could no longer contain his enmity" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an act of extreme wickedness ; the quality of being outrageous, vastness of size or extent |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
ask for request earnestly
"College professors often entreat students to forgo cramming."
"He does not want to do it, but if you entreat him, he may" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)
"The modern epicure swoons at the yeasty aroma and the dense honey-comb texture of a good loaf of bread"
"an epicurean banquet" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a defamatory or abusive word or phrase;
a descriptive word of phrase |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a person or things that possesses to a high degree the features of an entire class
"he is the epitome of greatness" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not easily irritated
"an equable temper"
"remained equable despite the frequent delays" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
steadiness of minder udner stress
"she accepted her problems with equaminity" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
uncertain as a sign or indication
"the evidence from the analysis was equivocal" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear to mislead or withhold information
"she equivocated on the cross-examination" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| deletion by an act of expunging or erasing |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
having or showing profound knowledge
"an erudite professor" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
take up the cause, ideology, practice, method of someone and use it as one's own; take in marriage
"the position you espouse" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| formal expression of praise |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the act of killing someone painlessly |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
give expression to
"she evinced her disappointment" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
express strong disapproval of;
to strip or remove skin from
"We excoriate the racism in South Africa"
"Her palms were excoriated from the severe shoveling" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| to denounce vehemently; an abraded area where the skin is torn of worn off |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
pronounce not guilty of criminal charge
"the suspect was exculpated of the murder charges" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a sudden unforseen crisis that requires immediate action; a pressing or urgent situation
"the health-care exigency" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
"The suspect was exonerated [exculpated] of murder charges" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
add details, as to an account or an idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way
"She expatiated [elaborated] on the main ideas in her dissertation" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
proper under the circumstances; tending to serve some desired object
"It is expedient that you go" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a regard for what is politic or advantageous as opposed to what is right |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the act of atoning sin or wrongdoing
"the expiation of sins" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| reason (with somebody) for the purpose of dissuasion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
"expurgate a novel" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
thrust or extend out
"exsert out his hand" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
lessen or try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
"The circumstances extenuate the crime" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
surgically remove (an organ);
pull up as if by the roots
"extirpate the the vine that has spread all over the garden" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
praise, glorify, honor
'extol the virtues of one's children" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
get or cause to become in a difficult or laborious manner
"They extorted money from him by threatening him" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not regulated or sanctioned by law
"they were only extralegal recourses for their grievances" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
cleverly amusing in tone
"a facetious tone" "facetious remarks"
tongue-in-cheek |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| expressing yourself readily, clearly, and effectively |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
complacently or inanely foolish
"it is fatuous to believe everything we hear" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
generally incompetent and ineffectual
"feckless attempts to repair the plumbing" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
capable of producing offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive
"a fecund imagination" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
animal that lives in prairie regions of US;
search and discover through persistent investigation
"she ferreted out the truth" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
extremely hot; characterized by intense emotion
"fervent desire to change society" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
feelings of great warmth and intensity
"he spoke with great fervor"
ardor |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a shackle for the ankles or feet
"restrain with fetters" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| subtly skillful handling of situations |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
related to finicky
exacting especially about details
"a finicky eater" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
shockingly noticeable or evident; notorious
"a flagrant crime" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| having the plumage or feathers necessary for flight |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
elaborately or excessively ornamented; flamboyant
"the senator's florid speech" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
treat with contemptuous disregard
"flout the rules" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a minor weakness of failing of character
"an all-too-human foible" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to stir up public opinion; instigate or foster rebellion
"to foment trouble"
"his legs should be fomented" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
affecting extreme elegance in dress and manner
fop: a man excessively vain and concerned about dress, appearance, and manners |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to refrain, resist, abstain
refraining from acting
The pain was so great she could not forbear crying outloud |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a place in a river shallow enough to be waded across |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to reject or renounce under oath
"to forswear an injurious habit"
abjure, retract |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
excessively agitated; transported with rage or other violent emotion
"frenetic screams followed the accident" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not serious or sensible
"frivolous girls at the party" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| unmanageable, difficult, obstinate |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to make criticisms, to explode with noise and violence
"He fulminated against the Republicans' plan to cut Medicare" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech
"gave him a fulsome introduction"
"fulsome praise" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to deny, dispute, contradict
"few would gainsay the attractiveness of diversity" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement; play boisterously
"the children gamboled in the meadow" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| to acquire or deserve by one's efforts or actions |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
wordy and talkative
"kept from housework from her garrulous neighbors" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| socially awkward or tactless act |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| artfully persuasive in speech |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| filaments from a cobweb; gauze fabric with extremely fine texture |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
seeking and enjoying the company of others
"a gregarious person who avoids solitude" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to humble oneself or act in an abject manner; to show submission or fear
"grovel for food from his master" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to humble oneself or act in an abject manner; to show submission or fear
"grovel for food from his master" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the quality of being crafty; the use of tricks to deceive someone of money |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
free from guile, free of deceit
"a guileless answer" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a basket with a cover;
prevent the progress or movement of
"hampered by the weather" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
deserving or inciting pity
"hapless victims of war" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a scolding, an intense verbal attack
"harangued the soldiers during bootcamp" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| foreshadow; indication of the approach of someone |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| to distress keenly and painfully; to draw over the land a cultivator that pulverizes or smoothes the soil |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
completely airtight
"hermitic bags prevent food from spoiling" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
strike with an axe; cut down
"hew an oak"
"hew a oath in the rock" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
having or covered with hair
"our anatomically hirsute cousins are our genetic brothers" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
make perfect or complete; sharpen
"hone your skills"
"hone your French in Paris" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| conceal one's true motives by feigning good intentions so as to gain an end |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
overbearing pride or presumption
"the hubris of one who thinks he knows everything" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
someone who tries to destroy traditional ideas or institutions
"he was an iconoclast who shocked respectable opinion" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
blindly or excessively devoted or adoring
"idolatrous worship" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a short descriptive poem of rural or pastoral life |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
completely lacking nobility
"ignoble civilians" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
completely lacking nobility
"ignoble civilians" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
"ignominious defeat" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
contrary or forbidden by law
"illicit trade" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a very embarrassing situation
"Aftermath of the imbroglio" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
revealing very little emotion
"impassive face" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not having enough money to pay for necessities
"impecunious beggar" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
close in time; about to occur
"an impending danger"
imminent |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
able to deal authoritatively with affairs
"dismissed the matter with an imperious wave of her hand" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| preventing especially liquids to pass through |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| not easily excited or agitated |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not capable of being affected
"a material impervious to water"
"impervious to argument" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
characterized by hate and lack of thought or deliberation
marked by force and violence
"an impetuous decision"
"impetuous waves" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
impossible to placate (please)
"her implacable mother-in-law" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
being without doubt or reserve "implicit trust"
implied though not directly expressed "implicit anger in the argument" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
beg persistently and urgently
"I importune you to help them" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a curse; a malediction
"he suffered the imprecations of the mob" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the trait of being rude and impertinent
"she had the impudence to demand everything be done her way" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
attribute or give credit to
"We impute this quotation to Shakespeare"
ascribe |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
be a precursor of; commence officially
"the fall of the Berlina Wall inaugurated the post-Cold War period" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
occurring so frequently so as to seem unceasing
"the child's incessant cries" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
"a vague inchoate idea" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
provoke or stir up
"provoke a rebellion" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
"inculcate values into the young generation" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the act of entering some territory or domain (often in large numbers)
"the incursion of the television into the living room" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
cannot be removed, washed away, or erased
"an indelible stain" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
verging on the indecent
"indelicate behavior" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
"a general state of indigence among the homeless" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
inactivity resulting from dislike or work
"a welfare system that rewards indolence is wrong" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
defying expression or description; too scared to be uttered
"ineffable beauty" "ineffable happiness" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
characteristic
"the ethos of our society consists of individual rights and individual anatomy" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to make worse
"the hurricane will exacerbate tensions in the city" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
easy to talk to
"an affable and courteous gentleman" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
beyond natural
"preternatural powers" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
controversial
"polemical diatribes written in the heat of the moment" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
fickle
"capricious weather" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
lasting a short time
"ephemeral joys of childhood" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
subject to unpredictable changes
"mercurial personality" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| person whose power derives from wealth |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
facile in speech and writing
articulate, garrulous, loquacious |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
clear; free from obscurity
"pellucid waters"
"a pellucid way of writing" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| draw a circle around; to restrict with limits |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| resistant towards authority |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
an aggressive remark "she threw jibes of sarcasm"
be compatible "that doesn't jibe with me" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| characterized by jokes and good humor |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
proceeding from good sense or judgement
"judicious use of one's money" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
showing sorrow; tearful
"lachrymose tone" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
brief and to the point
"a laconic reply" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not active
"latent diabetes" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
full of or giving praise
"laudatory remarks" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| false and malicious publication |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
usually a person who is morally unrestrained
"a libertine woman" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the legal claim of one person upon the property of another to secure the payment of depth or satisfaction of an obligation
"the party who holds the lien can sell the property to pay off a debt"
"good people do not have an exclusive lien on good ideas" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to make a portrait of, trace the shape of
"the ability to limn the customer's image on paper" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
be lazy or idle; hang loosely or laxly
"lolled around all day"
"his tongue lolled" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| full of trivial conversation |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
characterized by lust
"eluding the lubricious embrace of her employer" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
add details, as to an account or idea, elaborate
"She lucubrated on the main ideas in her dissertation"
expatiate, elaborate |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
transparently clear, easily understandable
"luculent prose"
pellucid, perspicuous, limpid |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
excessively mournful
"his lugubrious conduct was doubtlessly intended to soften the heart of the court |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a celebrity who is an inspiration to others |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
crafty schemes; plots; intrigues
"In other words, after a lot of machination and arguing, you may not win in the end" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
generous and understanding and tolerant
"a heart magnanimous enough to hold no grudges" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
speak unfavorably about
"she maligns her husband everywhere" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
effusively or insincerely emotional
"maudlin expressions of sympathy" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
"she led a maverick life" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
pleasing to the air
"the mellifluous tones of the cello"
dulcet |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
given to lying
"a mendacious child" "a mendacious witness" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the tendency to be untruthful |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a pauper who lives by begging |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
based on pretense; deceptively pleasing;
tastelessly showy;
like or relating to a prostitute
"meretricious praise"
"meretricious [flashy] colors" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
any commodity of intermediate quality or size;
of no exceptional quality or ability
"the performance was middling at best" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
"minatory thunderclouds"
ominous, baleful |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| someone who dislikes people in general |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
make less severe or harsh
"mitigating circumstances"
extenuating |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
make less rigid or softer; make more temperate
"she mollified the angry customer" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
showing a brooding ill humor
"a morose, hopeless shrug" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a building or room where dead bodies are kept before burial or cremation |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
having many aspects
"the multifarious noise of a great city" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
found in the ordinary course of events;
concerned with the world or worldly matters "mundane affairs"
placid, quotidian, prosaic, |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the lowest point of anything; the point on the celestial sphere directly below an observer
"their usage is as much as three times higher at its peak than at its nadir" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
coming into existence
"a nascent republic" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
lacking definition or definite content
"nebulous reasons" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
any new participant in some activity;
plant founded in an area where it has not been recorded previously |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a connected series or group
"her past research focused on the nexus of food and energy" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
offensively malodorous
"a noisome smell"
putrid, nauseating |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
filled with bewilderment
"nonplussed that she left without saying goodbye" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable
"Cataracts develop following use of anti-fat nostrum" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
injurious to physical or mental health
"noxious chemical wastes" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
showing unfeeling resistance to tender feelings
"the child's misery would move even the most obdurate heart" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
make obscure or unclear
"his response only obfuscated his students even more" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a malicious attack;
state of disgrace resulting from public abuse
"not all writers or artists seek or ably perform a public rile, and those who do risk obloquy"
"They would have saved the nation much obloquy" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner
"obsequious shop assistants" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
boisterously and noisily aggressive
"kept up an obstreperous clamor" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
prevent the occurence of;
do away with
"Let's obviate a confrontation" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
closed off; taken into and retained in another substance
"occluded vision"
"the occluded oil mass" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
unequivocally detestable
"odious crimes" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| hate coupled with disgust |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
"an officious old woman" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
not easily borne; wearing
"the onerous task of preparing tax returns" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
"opprobrious retreat"
inglorious; ingnominious |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
become boney
"the tissue ossified" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
represented or appearing as such but not necessarily so
"his ostensible purpose was charity; his real goal popularity" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
pretentious or showy or vulgar display;
lack of elegance as a consequence of being pompous
"they aren't interested in displays of ostentation or status |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
periodic maintenance on a car or machine
"you should overhaul your car engine" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
presumptuously arrogant "getting a little overweening and needed to be slapped down"
unrestrained in especially feelings "overweening praise" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| someone opposed to violence as a means of settling disputes |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a formal expression of praise |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
suitable or like a palace
"the palatial residence" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
provide physical relief, as from pain
"this pill will palliate your headache"
relieve, assuage |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the quality of being perceivable by touch |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
beat rapidly
"his heart palpitated" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a formal expression of praise
"never was a funeral panegyric so eloquent as the silent look of sympathy which strangers exchanged when they met on that day"
paean |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| standard or typical example |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| person who is rejected (from society or home) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
excessively unwilling to spend
"parsimonious thrift" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity
"if the objective is to promote a partisan agenda, and not science, then the comments should be directed to some other soapbox" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
an insufficient number or quantity
"the absence of narrative punch compounded by a paucity of interesting characters" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a strong liking
"the Irish have a penchant for blarney" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
"a general state of penury exists among the homeless"
indigence |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
travel (especially by foot)
"each step he took represented an inward peregrination" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
putting an end to all debate and action;
not allowing contradiction or refusal
"spoke in peremptory tones" "peremptory commands" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a plant lasting for three seasons or more; recurring again and again
"perennial efforts to stipulate the requirements |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
trending to betray; deliberately faithless; deceitful
"a perfidious lover" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
an act of deliberate betrayal
"he is a conventional villain, a machine of efficacy with perfidy in his heart" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
hasty and without attention to detail
"a casual inspection failed to reveal the house's structural flaws"
cursory |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
walking or traveling about
of or pertaining to Aristotle, who taught philosophy while walking the Lyceum of ancient Athens |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| criminal offense of making false statements under oath |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way; exceedingly harmful
"glaucoma is a pernicious disease"
insidious |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
"perpetrate a crime" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the capacity to assess situations or circumstances shrewdly and to draw sound conclusions; intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
of bone (especially temporal bone);
resembling stone in hardness |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
easily irritated or annoyed
"If your suggestion is rejected, don't be petulant or get discouraged" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
showing little emotion
"a phlegmatic and undemonstrative teenager" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
involving clever rogues or adventurers especially as in a type of fiction
"picaresque novels"
"picaresque hero" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly
"the pied desert" "a pied dress"
particolored, piebald, motley |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
attracting or delighting
"an piquant face with large appealing eyes" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a sudden outburst of anger; cause to feel sudden outburst of anger
a tightly woven fabric with raised cords
"her tactless remark piqued me" |
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Term
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Definition
the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
"the pith of the argument"
gist, nub |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
a trite or obvious remark;
the quality of being flat, dull or trite
"the platitude of most political oratory" |
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Term
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Definition
having great mass and weight and unwieldiness
"a ponderous burden" |
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Term
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Definition
a sign of something about to happen
"he looked for a portent before going into battle" |
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Term
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Definition
to reject as having no authority or binding force "repudiate a claim"
to reject with disapproval or denial "repudiate a new doctrine" "repudiate a charge" |
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Term
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Definition
fraught with danger
"precarious waters" |
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Term
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Definition
a doctrine that is taught
"he believed all the Christian precepts" |
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Term
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Definition
keep from happening or arising; have the effect of preventing
"my sense of tact precludes an honest answer" |
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Term
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Definition
warning of future misfortune
"these phenomena were actually precursory and therefore could be used to predict the earthquake" |
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Term
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Definition
a predisposition in favor of something
"a predilection for expensive cars" |
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Term
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Definition
be larger in number, quality, power, status, or importance
"Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood" |
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Term
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Definition
to occupy [land] in order to establish a prior right to buy;
to acquire before someone else; take for oneself
take the place of because of priorities, reconsideration, rescheduling, etc
"The special newscast preempted the usual television program" |
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Term
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Definition
exceeding in heaviness; having greater weight; superiority in numbers
"a preponderance in Blacks in prison"
similar to predominate |
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Term
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Definition
a sign of something about to happen; "he looked for a presage before going into battle"
portent |
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Term
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Definition
deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
"the appellant did in fact prevaricate and admitted it"
equivocate, tergiversate, palter, |
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Term
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Definition
integrity and uprightness; honesty
Probity officers are employed throughout the process to maintain accountability and fairness |
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Term
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Definition
a natural inclination
"he has a proclivity for exaggeration" |
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Term
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Definition
utterly and shamelessly immoral or dissipated; thoroughly dissolute;
recklessly prodigal or extravagant
"reducing the borrowing costs of the profligate could increase them for the virtuous and reduce the incentive for reform" |
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Term
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Definition
intellectual depth; penetrating knowledge;
the quality of being physically deep
"the profundity of my feeling"
"the profundity of the mine was almost a mile" |
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Term
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Definition
| the quality of being extremely abundant |
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Term
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Definition
to cause to grow in increase rapidly; to grow rapidly
"pizza parlors proliferate in this area" |
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Term
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Definition
tediously prolinged or tending to speak or write at great length
"editing a prolix manuscript" "a prolix lecturer" |
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Term
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Definition
the act of producing offspring or multiplying by such production;
the spreading of something into new religions; the movement of a wave through a medium
"propagation of ideas" |
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Term
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Definition
the property of being close together
"computers have reduced the importance of geographic propinquity" |
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Term
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Definition
make peace with
"tribes who worship together, propitiate the gods together, die together"
conciliate |
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Term
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Definition
intending to reconcile or appease
"sent flowers as a propitiatory gesture" |
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Term
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Definition
presenting favorable circumstances"
"propitious omens" |
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Term
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Definition
not challenging; dull and lacking excitement
pedestrian, quotidian, vapid |
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Term
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Definition
command against
"I proscribe you to call me late at night"
"Mother proscribed the trip to the chocolate store" |
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Term
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Definition
relatively long in duration
"a protracted argument" "a protracted discussion" "a protracted visit from the mother-in-law"
prolonged |
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Term
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Definition
providing carefully for the future
"a provident father plans for his children's education" |
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Term
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Definition
under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
"provisional employees" "provisional agreement"
probationary, tentative |
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Term
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Definition
caution with regard to practical matters; discretion;
provident care in the management of resources;
frugality
"the servants showed great tact, discretion, and prudence"
tact, discretion |
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Term
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Definition
exaggeratedly proper
"my prudish Aunt Anna doesn't approve of my miniskirts" |
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Term
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Definition
ready and able to resort to force or violence
"pugnacious sprits lamented that there was so little prospect of an exhilarating disturbance" |
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Term
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Definition
marked by precise accordance with details
"worrying meticulously about punctilious details" |
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Term
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Definition
someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field"
"the average stock market pundit isn't this wrong" |
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Term
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Definition
to provide, furnish, or supply (especially food or provisions) usually as a business or service
"teachers tend to pruvey what they themselves have learned" |
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Term
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Definition
lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful
"she recoils with a pusillanimous horror before whatever is new and untried" |
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Term
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Definition
wood heaped for burning a dead body, as in India
"he climbed onto the pyre and stayed there until the fire consumed him" |
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Term
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Definition
| uneasiness about the fitness of an action |
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Term
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Definition
causing no symptoms; marked by a state of tranquil repose
"a quiescent tumor"
"the quiescent melancholy of the town" |
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Term
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Definition
not sensible about practical matters; unrealistic
"a quixotic disregard for money"
"a quixotic dream of a world state" |
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Term
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Definition
| a disorderly crowd of people |
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Term
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Definition
marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness;
marked by smartness in dress and manners
"a cocktail party given by some raffish bachelors"
"a raffish young man" "a raffish red hat" |
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Term
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Definition
divide into two or more branches so as to form a fork;
have or develop consequences
"the road ramifies"
"these actions will ramify" |
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Term
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Definition
showing deep-seated resentment
"rancorous envy of the rich" |
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Term
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Definition
devouring or craving food in great quantities
"a rapacious appetite" |
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Term
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Definition
weaken the consistency of (a chemical substance); make more subtle or refined; lessen the density or solidity of
"moisture rarifies when heated" |
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Term
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Definition
an extreme conservative; an opponent of progress or liberalism
"Mine are clearly reactionary views that aren't going to have any effect at all" |
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Term
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Definition
a deliberate discourteous act; reject outright and bluntly
force or drive back
"she rebuffed his proposal"
"she rebuffed the attack" |
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Term
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Definition
marked by stubborn resistance to authority
"The University suspended the most recalcitrant demonstrators" |
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Term
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Definition
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
"she recanted her beliefs" "recanted his earlier statements about his religion"
abjure, retract |
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Term
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Definition
habitual relapse into crime
"some argue that the prison system does more damage and increase recidivism to these individuals" |
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Term
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Definition
difficult to penetrate, incomprehensible to one of ordinary knowledge "the professor's lectures were so recondite students tended to avoid them"
abstruse |
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Term
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Definition
act of turning to for assistance
"a recourse to his uncle was his last resort" |
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Term
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Definition
inspiring fear
having or worthy or pride
"the redoubtable prospect of major surgery"
"a redoubtable scholar of the Renaissance" |
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Term
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Definition
resistant to authority or control
"a refractory child" |
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Term
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Definition
radiating or as if radiating light
"the refulgent sun" "refulgent daffodils"
beaming, effulgent, radiant |
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Term
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Definition
| the act of killing a king |
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Term
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Definition
assign to a class or kind
"People argue about how to relegate certain mushrooms" |
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Term
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Definition
to say or plead in protest, objection, or disapproval
"The mother remonstrated the child for entering the stranger's car" |
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Term
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Definition
a quantity of food taken or provided for one occasion of eating; a meal
"to eat a light repast; the evening repast" |
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Term
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Definition
| to disapprove, condemn, censure |
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Term
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Definition
to reject; refuse to acknowledge, ratify, or recognize as valid
"The woman repudiated the divorce settlement" |
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Term
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Definition
to make repayment for or return something
related to requital: (a return or reward for service)
"It would be poor requital to start another such needless war" |
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Term
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Definition
reluctant to draw attention to yourself; cool and formal in manner
"friends gave more negative ratings to reticent individuals" |
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Term
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Definition
excessively fat
spherical in shape |
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Term
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Definition
| a cruel and brutal fellow |
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Term
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Definition
skillful in statecraft or management
"an astute and sagacious statesman" |
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Term
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Definition
suggestive of or tending to moral looseness
"salacious whisperings of a dirty old man"
lewd, indecent, obscene |
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Term
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Definition
| having a quality that thrusts itself into attention |
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Term
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Definition
promoting health; healthful
"the salubrious mountain air and water" |
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Term
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Definition
tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health
"the salutary influence of pure air" |
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Term
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Definition
pretended, affected, or hypocritical religious devotion
"The greenies are derided for their shrill sanctimony" |
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Term
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Definition
authoritative permission or approval, as for an action
"There is no sanction if their parents refuse to take them" |
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Term
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Definition
inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life; confidently optimistic and cheerful
"fresh and sanguine complexion"
ruddy, rubicund |
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Term
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Definition
showing a brooding ill humor
"a saturnine and unsociable manner"
dark, dour, glum, moody, morose |
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Term
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Definition
| sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet |
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Term
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Definition
| concerning those not members of the clergy |
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Term
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Definition
marked by care and persistent effort
"her sedulous efforts to learn French"
assiduous |
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Term
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Definition
containing seeds of later development
"seminal ideas of one discipline can influence the growth of another"
"seminal fluid" |
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Term
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Definition
abounding in pithy (concise and forcefully expressive) aphorisms or maxims
"a sententious book" |
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Term
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Definition
concise and forcefully expressive
"pithy maxims" |
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Term
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Definition
| implant for draining fluids within the body |
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Term
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Definition
curved or curving in and out
"sinuous lines" |
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Term
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Definition
| any or various small boats propelled by pars or by sails or by a motor |
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Term
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Definition
to make less active or intense; to cool or refresh
"the cold water slaked his thirst"
"his cool manner slaked their enthusiasm" |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
characteristic of the body
"a somatic illness"
corporeal, bodily |
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Term
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Definition
| a deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone |
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Term
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Definition
morally ignoble or base; vile
meanly avaricious and mercenary
dirty or filthy
"the cheater employed sordid methods to win" |
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Term
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Definition
apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible
"specious arguments"
"Percentages are meaningless and only used to skew the debate in specious ways" |
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Term
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Definition
very irritable
"bristly and splenetic exchanges between the White House and the press" |
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Term
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Definition
intended to deceive
"spurious argument"
specious |
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Term
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Definition
foul and run-down and repulsive
"a squalid and over-crowded apartment" |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
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Definition
| stop the flow of a liquid |
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Term
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Definition
very loud or powerful in sound:
a stentorian voice |
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Term
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Definition
an unbroken period of time which you do somethign
"stint as a lifeguard" |
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Term
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Definition
| specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement |
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Term
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Definition
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
"her impassive and stolid remoteness"
impassive |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
a thwarting and distressing situation; hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
"her brother stymied her at every turn" |
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Term
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Definition
to lead or move by persuasion or influence, as to some action or state of mind
induce a person to buy a raffle ticket |
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Term
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Definition
induce to commit perjury or give false testimony; incute to commit a crime or an evil deed
"he suborned his butler to cover up the murder of his wife" |
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Term
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Definition
| a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable |
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Term
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Definition
to consider or include (idea, proposition) as part of a more comprehensive one;
to bring (a case, instance, etc) under a rule
to take up into a more inclusive classification
"We have no categories that are inclusive enough to subsume him" |
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Term
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Definition
assistance in the time of difficulty
"the contributions provided some succor for the victims" |
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Term
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Definition
to soil, tarnish, stain
"sullied reputations" |
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Term
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Definition
without delay
"the spy was summarily executed" |
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Term
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Definition
rich and superior in quality
"a sumptuous sum"
"sumptuously gilded dining rooms" |
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Term
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Definition
miscellaneous unspecified objects
"the trunk was full of sundries" |
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Term
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Definition
expressive of contempt
"curled his lip in a supercilious smile"
"spoke in a sneering supercilious manner" |
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Term
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Definition
place on top of
can you superimpose the two images? |
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Term
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Definition
take the place or move into the position of
"Smith superseded Miller as CEO" |
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Term
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Definition
offering no resistance
lying face upward
"supine hostages" |
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Term
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Definition
one praying humbly for something
"a suppliant sinner seeking forgiveness" |
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Term
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Definition
ask humbly for something
"supplicate for God's blessing"
"he supplicated the King for clemency" |
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Term
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Definition
mercy
"He supplicated the King for clemency" |
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Term
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Definition
eating until excessively full; the quality of being so overabundant that princes fall; indulge one's appetite to satiety
"a surfeit of workers caused a significant reduction in the wage rate" |
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Term
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Definition
a person who tires to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
"the hiring committee then consisted of the head and one sycophant who always agreed with him" |
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Term
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Definition
| habitually reserved and uncommunicative |
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Term
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Definition
abnormally distended especially by fluids or gas
"hungry children with turgid stomachs"
bloated distended, puffy, tumescent, tumid |
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Term
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Definition
a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
"the various turpitudes of modern society" |
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Term
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Definition
to make morally bad or evil; corrupt
"Better to take them away from those who may deprave them. |
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Term
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Definition
| someone new to a field or activity |
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Term
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Definition
being beyond what is seen or avowed; intentionally kept concealed; coming at a subsequent time or stage;
"ulterior motives"
"later, ulterior developments" |
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Term
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Definition
| lacking refinement or cultivation or taste |
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Term
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Definition
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
"uncouth soldiers" |
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Term
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Definition
in injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect
to weaken or cause to collapse by removing underlying support
"sniping at the chair and seeking to undermine her" |
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Term
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Definition
contrary to your interests or welfare
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper
"language untoward to a lady"
undecorous, unseemly |
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Term
|
Definition
express criticism towards
"The president upbraided the general for his irresponsible behavior"
reproached |
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Term
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Definition
marked by wide-ranging knowledge and appreciation of many parts of the world arising from urban life and wide travel
"the urbane manners of a true cosmopolite" |
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Term
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Definition
| changing location by moving back and forth |
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Term
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Definition
an unexpected and inexplicable change in something
"the vagaries of the weather"
"his wealth fluctuates with the vagaries of the stock market" |
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Term
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Definition
capable of being corrupted
"venal police officers and politicians of Vietnam"
corruptible, dishonest |
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Term
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Definition
regard with feelings of respect and reverence
"Venerate God as your father" |
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Term
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Definition
religious zeal; willingness to serve God
"veneration of God" |
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Term
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Definition
| unwillingness to tell lies |
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Term
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Definition
the appearance of truth; the quality of seeming to be true
"the play lacked verisimilitude" |
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Term
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Definition
not counterfeit or copied
"a veritable signature"
unquestionable, bona fide, authentic |
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Term
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Definition
|
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Term
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Definition
be a mystery or bewildering to
"a vexing problem" |
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Term
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Definition
capable of life or normal growth and development
"viable seeds"
"viable fetus" |
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Term
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Definition
the process of paying close and continuous attention
"he keeps a vigilant eye open for trouble" |
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Term
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Definition
spread negative information about
"The Nazi propaganda vilified the Jews" |
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Term
|
Definition
spread negative information about
"The Nazi propaganda vilified the Jews" |
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Term
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Definition
showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite
"said with vindication" |
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Term
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Definition
| large strong and aggressive woman |
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Term
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Definition
obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation
viscera: organs in the cavities of the body, especially the abdomen |
|
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Term
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Definition
take away the legal force or render ineffective
"nothing vitiated her beauty"
invalidate, mar |
|
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Term
|
Definition
spread negative information about
"the Nazi propaganda vitupeated the Jews"
villified |
|
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Term
|
Definition
spread negative information about
"the Nazi propaganda vitupeated the Jews"
villified |
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Term
|
Definition
vigorous and active
"a vivacious group that challenged the system" |
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Term
|
Definition
tending to vary often and widely
"volatile emotions"
"volatile stocks" |
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Term
|
Definition
marked by a ready flow of speech
"she is an extremely voluble young woman who engages in soliloquies, not conversations" |
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Term
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Definition
large in number or quantity
"she took voluminous notes" "voluminous press coverage" |
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