We think that the best
strategy for GRE is to be acquainted with GRE through taking actual GRE
examinations administrated by ETS, but it is undeniable that a good vocabulary
is essential for excellent GRE scores.
This is The GRE Word List
A
abase: lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect
abash: embarrass
abate: subside or moderate
abbreviate: shorten
abdicate: renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)
aberrant: abnormal or deviant
aberration: deviation from the normal; mental disorder
abet: assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage
abeyance: suspended action
abhor: detest; hate
abide: dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate; Ex. abide by the rules.
Abject: (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble
abjure: renounce upon oath
ablution: washing
abnegation: renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation
abode: dwelling place; home
abolish: cancel; put an end to
abominable: detestable; extremely unpleasant
abominate: loathe; hate
aboriginal: being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine
abortive: unsuccessful; fruitless
abrasive: rubbing away; tending to grind down
abridge: condense or shorten
abrogate: abolish
abscission: cutting off; separation
abscond :depart secretly and hide
absolute: complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler CF. absolutism
absolve: pardon (an offense)
abstain: refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one’s vote
abstemious: sparing in eating and drinking; temperate
abstinence: restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote
abstract: theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational
abstruse: obscure; profound; difficult to understand
abusive: coarsely insulting; physically harmful
abut :border upon; adjoin
abysmal: bottomless
abyss: enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit
academic: related to a school; not practical or directly useful
accede: agree
accelerate: move faster
accessible: easy to approach; obtainable
accessory: additional object; useful but not essential thing
acclaim: applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval
Acclimate: adjust to climate or environment; adapt
acclivity: sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity
accolade: award of merit; strong praise and approval
accommodate: oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony
accomplice: partner in crime
accord: agreement
accost: approach and speak first to a person
accoutre: equip; N. accoutrement
accretion: growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete
accrue: come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrual
acerbity bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)
acetic: vinegary
acidulous: slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic
acme: peak; pinnacle; highest point
acne: skin disease (on the face)
acoustics :science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in
acquiesce: assent; agree passively; comply without protest
acquittal: deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner
acrid: bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent
acrimonious: stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior
acrophobia: fear of heights
actuarial: calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics
actuary: someone who advises insurance companies
actuate: motivate; activate; cause to act
acuity: sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)
acumen :mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen
acute: (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain
adage: wise saying; proverb
adamant: hard; inflexible
adapt: make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.
addendum: addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)
addiction: compulsive habitual need
addle: make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)
address: direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one’s efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech
adept: expert at; very skilled
adhere: stick fast; be a devoted follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyalty
adherent: supporter; follower
adjacent: adjoining; neighboring; close by adjoin be next to
adjourn: suspend until a later time; move from one place to another
adjunct:something attached to but holding an inferior position
adjuration: solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly
adjutant: staff officer assisting the commander; assistant
admonish: warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove
adore: love deeply and respect highly
adorn :decorate
adroit: skillful (in using mind or hand)
adulation: flattery; admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved
adulterate: make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances
Advent: arrival
adventitious: accidental; casual; happening by chance
adversary: opponent; enemy
adverse: going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile
adversity: great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event
advert: refer
advocacy: support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something
advocate: speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for
aegis: shield; protection; defense
aerie: (aery,eyrie,eyry) nest of a large bird of prey
aesthetic: artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete; CF. aesthetics
affable: easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly
affected: artificial; pretended
affidavit: written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)
affiliation: joining; associating with
affinity: feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages
affirmation: positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm; ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination
affliction: state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suffering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on
affluence: abundance; wealth
affront: insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally
afterlife: life after death; later part of one’s life
agape :openmouthed
agenda: items of business at a meeting
agglomeration: collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather into a rounded mass; N. agglomerate: jumbled mass; heap
aggrandize: make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement
aggregate: sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars
aghast: filled with great surprise or fear; horrified
agility: nimbleness; ability to move quickly
agitate: stir up; disturb
agnostic: one who is skeptical of the existence or know ability of a god or any ultimate reality
agog: highly excited; intensely curious
agrarian: pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian reform
airy: of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
alacrity: cheerful promptness without reluctance
alchemy: medieval chemistry
alcove: nook; recess
alias: an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. Alias
alienate: make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of
alimentary: supplying nourishment
alimony: payments made regularly to an ex-spouse after divorce
allay: calm; pacify
allege: state without proof
allegiance: loyalty
allegory: story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable
alleviate: relieve (pain)
alliteration: repetition of beginning sound in poetry
allocate: assign; set apart for a particular purpose
alloy: mixture as of metals; something added that lowers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture with other metals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed happiness
allude: refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference
allure: entice; attract; tempt
alluvial :pertaining to soil deposits left by running water
alms: money or goods given to the poor
aloft :upward; high up in the air
aloof: apart; not open in one’s relationship with other people; reserved; ADV
altercation: noisy quarrel
altruistic: unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism
amalgam: combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth
amalgamate: (of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body
amass: collect (gradually, in a very large amount)
Amazon: female warrior
ambidextrous: capable of using either hand with equal ease
ambience :environment; atmosphere; Ex. restaurant with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature
ambiguous: unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation
ambivalence: the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes or opinions
amble: walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk slowly and aimlessly
ambrosia: food of the gods
ambulatory: able to walk
ambush: act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush;
ameliorate: improve
amenable: obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests
amend: correct; change ; generally for the better
amenities :convenient features that helps to make life pleasant; social courtesies
amiable: agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly
amicable: peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement
amiss :wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss
amity: friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations
amnesia :loss of memory
amnesty :pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)
amok(amuck) :in a state of rage; Ex. run amok
amoral: non-moral; having no understanding of right and wrong
amorous: moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex. amorous advances
amorphous: formless; lacking shape or definition
amphibian :able to live both on land and in water;
amphitheater: oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena
ample :enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex. ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of being ample
abundance: largeness of space
amplify: increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify one’s remarks with a graph
amputate: cut off part of body; prune (a limb)
amulet :charm; talisman; an object worn believed to protect against evil, bad luck
anachronism: an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic
analgesia: condition of being unable to feel pain
analgesic :causing insensitivity to pain
analogous :comparable; similar
analogy: similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things
anarchist: person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority
anarchy: absence of governing body; state of disorder
anathema: solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize
ancestry: family descent; ADJ. ancestral
anchor: secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage
ancillary: serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary
anecdote: short story of an amusing or interesting event
anemia: condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic
anesthetic: substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia
anguish :acute pain; extreme suffering
angular: sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner
animadversion: critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval
animated: lively; spirited
animosity :active enmity
animus: hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition
annals: records arranged in yearly parts; history
anneal: reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)
annex: attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one
annihilate: destroy
annotate: comment; make explanatory notes
annuity: yearly allowance
annul :make void
anodyne: drug that relieves pain or trouble; opiate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement
anoint: consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony)
anomalous: abnormal; irregular
anomaly: irregularity
anonymity: state of being nameless; anonymousness; ADJ. anonymous
antagonism: hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in opposition to the protagonist
antecede: precede
antecedents: preceding events that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background
antediluvian :antiquated; extremely ancient
anthem :song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem
anthology: book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus
anthropoid: manlike; resembling a human being
anthropologist: student of the history and science of humankind
anthropomorphic: having human form or characteristics
anticlimax: letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting
antidote: remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. antidote to the economic troubles
antipathy: aversion; dislike or opposition
antiquated: obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated
antique: made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N: object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable
antiquity: quality of being very old; ancient times
antiseptic: substance that prevents infection in a wound
antithesis: contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical
antler: bony growth on the head of a deer
anvil: iron block used in hammering out metals
apathy: lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic
ape: imitate or mimic (a person’s behavior or manner)
aperture: opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light
apex:tip; summit; climax; highest point
aphasia: loss of speech due to injury or illness
aphorism: pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic
apiarist :person who keeps bees
apiary: a place where bees are kept
apiculture: bee-keeping
aplomb :poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence
apocalyptic: prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse
apocryphal : (of a story) widely believed but untrue
apogee: highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee
apolitical :having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs
apologist: one who writes in defense of a cause or institution; N. apologia
apoplexy :stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain
apostate :one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy
apothecary :druggist; pharmacist
apothegm(apophthegm) : pithy, compact saying
apotheosis: elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something
appall: dismay; shock deeply
apparent :evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement
apparition :ghost; phantom
appease: pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement
appellation: name; title
append: attach
application :diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself
apposite: appropriate; fitting
appraise :estimate value of; N. appraisal
appreciate: be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt
appreciable: difference
apprehend: arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension
apprehensive: fearful; discerning
apprise: inform
approbation: approval
appropriate: acquire; take possession of for one’s own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate
appurtenances: subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing
apropos: with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation
aptitude:fitness; talent
aquiline :curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose
arable: fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land
arbiter: person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachwear
arbitrary:unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler
arbitrate :act as judge (at the request of both sides)
arboreal :of or living in trees
arboretum :place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited
arcade: a covered passageway usually lined with shops
arcane: esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener
arch: chief; first; Ex. Archbishop
archaeology: study of artifacts and relics of early mankind
archaic: antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past
archetype: prototype; primitive pattern
archipelago: group of closely located islands
archives :public records; place where public records are kept
ardor: heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent
arduous: hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work
argot: slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people
aria :operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio
arid: (of land) dry; barren; unproductive
aristocracy: hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat
armada: fleet of warships
aromatic: fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell
arraign: charge in court; indict
array: marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. in battle array
arrears: being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done
arrhythmic: lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia
arrogance: pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one’s own importance and a lack of respect for other people)
arroyo :gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater
arsenal: storage place for military equipment
artery: blood-vessel; CF. vein
artful: exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice
articulate: effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints
artifacts: object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced
artifice :deception; trickery
artisan: a manually skilled worker
artless: without guile; open and honest
ascendancy: controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant
ascertain :find out for certain; make certain
ascetic: practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism
ascribe :refer; attribute; assign
aseptic :preventing infection; having a cleansing effect
ashen: ash-colored; deadly pale
asinine:stupid; Ex. asinine remarks
askance :with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distrust); Ex. look askance at
askew: crookedly; slanted; at an angle
asperity: sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter
aspersion: slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on
aspirant :seeker after position or status
aspire :seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership
assail :assault
assay :analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)
assent :agree; accept; N. assessment
assert :state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action) assert one’s independence
assiduous :diligent
assimilate :absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the ways of behaving or thinking)
assuage :make less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)
assumption :something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of power; V. assume
assurance: firm statement that something is certainly true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one’s own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his assurances, he did not come back; Ex. assurance of his loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance
asteroid :small planet
astigmatism :eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism
astral :relating to the stars
astringent :binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism
astronomical: enormously large or extensive
astute :wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one’s advantage
asunder: into parts; apart; V. sunder
asylum: place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)
asymmetric: not identical on both sides of a dividing central line
atavism: resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic
atheistic: denying the existence of God; N. atheism
atone :make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for
atrocity: brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious
atrophy: wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)
attentive :alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive
audience:; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration
attenuate: make thin; weaken
attest: testify; bear witness
attire: clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel
attribute: essential quality; V: ascribe; explain
attrition: rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition
atypical: not normal; not typical
audacious: daring; bold; N. audacity
audit: examination of accounts of a business; official examination
augment: increase; add to
augury :omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)
august: impressive; majestic
aureole :sun’s corona; halo; bright circle of light
auroral: pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis
auspicious :favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices
austere: forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk’s life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity
authenticate: prove genuine
authoritarian: subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating another’s will; Ex. authoritarian regime/father
authoritative: having the weight of authority; regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner; CF. definitive
autocratic: having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial; N. autocrat, autocracy
automaton: mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself
autonomous: self-governing; N. autonomy
autopsy :examination of a dead body; postmortem
auxiliary: offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant
avalanche :great mass of falling snow and ice
avant-garde: group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard
avarice : greediness for wealth
avenge: take vengeance for something or on behalf of someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged themselves on their enemy.
aver: state confidently; declare as true
averse : reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work
aversion: firm dislike
avert: prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight.
aviary: enclosure for birds; large cage
avid :greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity
avocation: secondary or minor occupation
avow: declare openly; N. avowal
avuncular: of or like an uncle
awe: solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome
awful: terrible; very bad
awl :pointed tool used for piercing
awry: distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.
Axiom :self-evident truth requiring no proof
azure: sky blue
B
abase: lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect
abash: embarrass
abate: subside or moderate
abbreviate: shorten
abdicate: renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)
aberrant: abnormal or deviant
aberration: deviation from the normal; mental disorder
abet: assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage
abeyance: suspended action
abhor: detest; hate
abide: dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate; Ex. abide by the rules.
Abject: (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble
abjure: renounce upon oath
ablution: washing
abnegation: renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation
abode: dwelling place; home
abolish: cancel; put an end to
abominable: detestable; extremely unpleasant
abominate: loathe; hate
aboriginal: being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine
abortive: unsuccessful; fruitless
abrasive: rubbing away; tending to grind down
abridge: condense or shorten
abrogate: abolish
abscission: cutting off; separation
abscond :depart secretly and hide
absolute: complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler CF. absolutism
absolve: pardon (an offense)
abstain: refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one’s vote
abstemious: sparing in eating and drinking; temperate
abstinence: restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote
abstract: theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational
abstruse: obscure; profound; difficult to understand
abusive: coarsely insulting; physically harmful
abut :border upon; adjoin
abysmal: bottomless
abyss: enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit
academic: related to a school; not practical or directly useful
accede: agree
accelerate: move faster
accessible: easy to approach; obtainable
accessory: additional object; useful but not essential thing
acclaim: applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval
Acclimate: adjust to climate or environment; adapt
acclivity: sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity
accolade: award of merit; strong praise and approval
accommodate: oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony
accomplice: partner in crime
accord: agreement
accost: approach and speak first to a person
accoutre: equip; N. accoutrement
accretion: growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete
accrue: come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrual
acerbity bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)
acetic: vinegary
acidulous: slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic
acme: peak; pinnacle; highest point
acne: skin disease (on the face)
acoustics :science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in
acquiesce: assent; agree passively; comply without protest
acquittal: deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner
acrid: bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent
acrimonious: stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior
acrophobia: fear of heights
actuarial: calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics
actuary: someone who advises insurance companies
actuate: motivate; activate; cause to act
acuity: sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)
acumen :mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen
acute: (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain
adage: wise saying; proverb
adamant: hard; inflexible
adapt: make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.
addendum: addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)
addiction: compulsive habitual need
addle: make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)
address: direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one’s efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech
adept: expert at; very skilled
adhere: stick fast; be a devoted follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyalty
adherent: supporter; follower
adjacent: adjoining; neighboring; close by adjoin be next to
adjourn: suspend until a later time; move from one place to another
adjunct:something attached to but holding an inferior position
adjuration: solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly
adjutant: staff officer assisting the commander; assistant
admonish: warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove
adore: love deeply and respect highly
adorn :decorate
adroit: skillful (in using mind or hand)
adulation: flattery; admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved
adulterate: make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances
Advent: arrival
adventitious: accidental; casual; happening by chance
adversary: opponent; enemy
adverse: going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile
adversity: great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event
advert: refer
advocacy: support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something
advocate: speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for
aegis: shield; protection; defense
aerie: (aery,eyrie,eyry) nest of a large bird of prey
aesthetic: artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete; CF. aesthetics
affable: easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly
affected: artificial; pretended
affidavit: written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)
affiliation: joining; associating with
affinity: feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages
affirmation: positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm; ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination
affliction: state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suffering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on
affluence: abundance; wealth
affront: insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally
afterlife: life after death; later part of one’s life
agape :openmouthed
agenda: items of business at a meeting
agglomeration: collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather into a rounded mass; N. agglomerate: jumbled mass; heap
aggrandize: make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement
aggregate: sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars
aghast: filled with great surprise or fear; horrified
agility: nimbleness; ability to move quickly
agitate: stir up; disturb
agnostic: one who is skeptical of the existence or know ability of a god or any ultimate reality
agog: highly excited; intensely curious
agrarian: pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian reform
airy: of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
alacrity: cheerful promptness without reluctance
alchemy: medieval chemistry
alcove: nook; recess
alias: an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. Alias
alienate: make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of
alimentary: supplying nourishment
alimony: payments made regularly to an ex-spouse after divorce
allay: calm; pacify
allege: state without proof
allegiance: loyalty
allegory: story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable
alleviate: relieve (pain)
alliteration: repetition of beginning sound in poetry
allocate: assign; set apart for a particular purpose
alloy: mixture as of metals; something added that lowers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture with other metals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed happiness
allude: refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference
allure: entice; attract; tempt
alluvial :pertaining to soil deposits left by running water
alms: money or goods given to the poor
aloft :upward; high up in the air
aloof: apart; not open in one’s relationship with other people; reserved; ADV
altercation: noisy quarrel
altruistic: unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism
amalgam: combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth
amalgamate: (of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body
amass: collect (gradually, in a very large amount)
Amazon: female warrior
ambidextrous: capable of using either hand with equal ease
ambience :environment; atmosphere; Ex. restaurant with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature
ambiguous: unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation
ambivalence: the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes or opinions
amble: walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk slowly and aimlessly
ambrosia: food of the gods
ambulatory: able to walk
ambush: act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush;
ameliorate: improve
amenable: obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests
amend: correct; change ; generally for the better
amenities :convenient features that helps to make life pleasant; social courtesies
amiable: agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly
amicable: peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement
amiss :wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss
amity: friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations
amnesia :loss of memory
amnesty :pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)
amok(amuck) :in a state of rage; Ex. run amok
amoral: non-moral; having no understanding of right and wrong
amorous: moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex. amorous advances
amorphous: formless; lacking shape or definition
amphibian :able to live both on land and in water;
amphitheater: oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena
ample :enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex. ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of being ample
abundance: largeness of space
amplify: increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify one’s remarks with a graph
amputate: cut off part of body; prune (a limb)
amulet :charm; talisman; an object worn believed to protect against evil, bad luck
anachronism: an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic
analgesia: condition of being unable to feel pain
analgesic :causing insensitivity to pain
analogous :comparable; similar
analogy: similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things
anarchist: person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority
anarchy: absence of governing body; state of disorder
anathema: solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize
ancestry: family descent; ADJ. ancestral
anchor: secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage
ancillary: serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary
anecdote: short story of an amusing or interesting event
anemia: condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic
anesthetic: substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia
anguish :acute pain; extreme suffering
angular: sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner
animadversion: critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval
animated: lively; spirited
animosity :active enmity
animus: hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition
annals: records arranged in yearly parts; history
anneal: reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)
annex: attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one
annihilate: destroy
annotate: comment; make explanatory notes
annuity: yearly allowance
annul :make void
anodyne: drug that relieves pain or trouble; opiate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement
anoint: consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony)
anomalous: abnormal; irregular
anomaly: irregularity
anonymity: state of being nameless; anonymousness; ADJ. anonymous
antagonism: hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in opposition to the protagonist
antecede: precede
antecedents: preceding events that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background
antediluvian :antiquated; extremely ancient
anthem :song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem
anthology: book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus
anthropoid: manlike; resembling a human being
anthropologist: student of the history and science of humankind
anthropomorphic: having human form or characteristics
anticlimax: letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting
antidote: remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. antidote to the economic troubles
antipathy: aversion; dislike or opposition
antiquated: obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated
antique: made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N: object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable
antiquity: quality of being very old; ancient times
antiseptic: substance that prevents infection in a wound
antithesis: contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical
antler: bony growth on the head of a deer
anvil: iron block used in hammering out metals
apathy: lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic
ape: imitate or mimic (a person’s behavior or manner)
aperture: opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light
apex:tip; summit; climax; highest point
aphasia: loss of speech due to injury or illness
aphorism: pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic
apiarist :person who keeps bees
apiary: a place where bees are kept
apiculture: bee-keeping
aplomb :poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence
apocalyptic: prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse
apocryphal : (of a story) widely believed but untrue
apogee: highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee
apolitical :having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs
apologist: one who writes in defense of a cause or institution; N. apologia
apoplexy :stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain
apostate :one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy
apothecary :druggist; pharmacist
apothegm(apophthegm) : pithy, compact saying
apotheosis: elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something
appall: dismay; shock deeply
apparent :evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement
apparition :ghost; phantom
appease: pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement
appellation: name; title
append: attach
application :diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself
apposite: appropriate; fitting
appraise :estimate value of; N. appraisal
appreciate: be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt
appreciable: difference
apprehend: arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension
apprehensive: fearful; discerning
apprise: inform
approbation: approval
appropriate: acquire; take possession of for one’s own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate
appurtenances: subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing
apropos: with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation
aptitude:fitness; talent
aquiline :curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose
arable: fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land
arbiter: person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachwear
arbitrary:unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler
arbitrate :act as judge (at the request of both sides)
arboreal :of or living in trees
arboretum :place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited
arcade: a covered passageway usually lined with shops
arcane: esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener
arch: chief; first; Ex. Archbishop
archaeology: study of artifacts and relics of early mankind
archaic: antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past
archetype: prototype; primitive pattern
archipelago: group of closely located islands
archives :public records; place where public records are kept
ardor: heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent
arduous: hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work
argot: slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people
aria :operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio
arid: (of land) dry; barren; unproductive
aristocracy: hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat
armada: fleet of warships
aromatic: fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell
arraign: charge in court; indict
array: marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. in battle array
arrears: being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done
arrhythmic: lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia
arrogance: pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one’s own importance and a lack of respect for other people)
arroyo :gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater
arsenal: storage place for military equipment
artery: blood-vessel; CF. vein
artful: exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice
articulate: effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints
artifacts: object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced
artifice :deception; trickery
artisan: a manually skilled worker
artless: without guile; open and honest
ascendancy: controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant
ascertain :find out for certain; make certain
ascetic: practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism
ascribe :refer; attribute; assign
aseptic :preventing infection; having a cleansing effect
ashen: ash-colored; deadly pale
asinine:stupid; Ex. asinine remarks
askance :with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distrust); Ex. look askance at
askew: crookedly; slanted; at an angle
asperity: sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter
aspersion: slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on
aspirant :seeker after position or status
aspire :seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership
assail :assault
assay :analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)
assent :agree; accept; N. assessment
assert :state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action) assert one’s independence
assiduous :diligent
assimilate :absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the ways of behaving or thinking)
assuage :make less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)
assumption :something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of power; V. assume
assurance: firm statement that something is certainly true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one’s own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his assurances, he did not come back; Ex. assurance of his loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance
asteroid :small planet
astigmatism :eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism
astral :relating to the stars
astringent :binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism
astronomical: enormously large or extensive
astute :wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one’s advantage
asunder: into parts; apart; V. sunder
asylum: place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)
asymmetric: not identical on both sides of a dividing central line
atavism: resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic
atheistic: denying the existence of God; N. atheism
atone :make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for
atrocity: brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious
atrophy: wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)
attentive :alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive
audience:; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration
attenuate: make thin; weaken
attest: testify; bear witness
attire: clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel
attribute: essential quality; V: ascribe; explain
attrition: rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition
atypical: not normal; not typical
audacious: daring; bold; N. audacity
audit: examination of accounts of a business; official examination
augment: increase; add to
augury :omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)
august: impressive; majestic
aureole :sun’s corona; halo; bright circle of light
auroral: pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis
auspicious :favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices
austere: forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk’s life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity
authenticate: prove genuine
authoritarian: subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating another’s will; Ex. authoritarian regime/father
authoritative: having the weight of authority; regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner; CF. definitive
autocratic: having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial; N. autocrat, autocracy
automaton: mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself
autonomous: self-governing; N. autonomy
autopsy :examination of a dead body; postmortem
auxiliary: offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant
avalanche :great mass of falling snow and ice
avant-garde: group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard
avarice : greediness for wealth
avenge: take vengeance for something or on behalf of someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged themselves on their enemy.
aver: state confidently; declare as true
averse : reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work
aversion: firm dislike
avert: prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight.
aviary: enclosure for birds; large cage
avid :greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity
avocation: secondary or minor occupation
avow: declare openly; N. avowal
avuncular: of or like an uncle
awe: solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome
awful: terrible; very bad
awl :pointed tool used for piercing
awry: distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.
Axiom :self-evident truth requiring no proof
azure: sky blue
B
Babble= chatter idly or foolishly
Bacchanal= noisy party with a lot of drinking
Backslide= revert (to bad habits)
badger= pester; annoy continually with demands
badinage =teasing conversation; banter; joking talk
baffle =frustrate; perplex
bait =harass; tease; torment
baiting =food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals
baleful =evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly
balk =stop short, as if faced with an obstacle
ballast =heavy substance used to add stability or weight
balm =something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees
balmy =soft and mild (of air); fragrant
banal =hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; cliché
bandy =discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner
bane =poison; cause of ruin
baneful= harmful; poisonous
bank =heap; piled-up mass; embankment
bantering= joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing
bar =railing in a courtroom; legal profession; vertical line dividing a staff into equal measures
barb =sharp projection from fishhook, arrow
bard =poet
barefaced =shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold
bargain =agreement between two groups or people
baroque= highly ornate
barrage =barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion
barrister= counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law
barterer= trader
Barter =trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money
base =contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or quality
Bask =luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
bastion =stronghold; something seen as a source of protection
bate =let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain
battalion= army unit made up of four or more companies
bauble= trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
Bawdy =indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way
Bearing =deportment; connection
beatific =giving or showing bliss; blissful
beatitude= blessedness; state of great happiness
bedizens =dress with vulgar finery
bedraggle= wet thoroughly
bedraggled =draggled
beeline =direct quick route
befuddle= confuse thoroughly
beget =father; become the father of; produce; give rise to
begrudge =envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge
beguile =deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract
behemoth= huge creature; something of monstrous size or power
beholden =obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude
behoove= be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary
belabor= harp on; dwell on tediously; explain
belated= delayed
beleaguer= besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset
belie =contradict; give a false impression; disguise
belittle =disparage; depreciate
bellicose =warlike
belligerent =quarrelsome
bemoan =lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of
bemused =confused; lost in thought; preoccupied
benediction =blessing
benefactor= gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose
beneficent= kindly; doing good
beneficial= helpful; useful; advantageous
beneficiary =person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will
benefit =advantage; anything that brings help, advantage, profit
benevolent =generous; charitable; having a wish to do good
benign= kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease)
Benison= blessing
bent =determined
bequeath =leave to someone by means of a will
berate =scold strongly
bereaved=deprived of (someone beloved through death)
bereavement =state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved
bereft =deprived of (something valuable); lacking
berserk= mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited
beseech =beg; plead with
beset =harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
besiege =surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually
besmirch= soil; defile; make dirty
bestial =beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel
bestow =confer
betoken =signify; indicate; be a sign of
betray =be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly)
betroth =become engaged to marry
bevy =large group
beware =be cautious (of)
bewitch =cast a spell over; captivate completely
bicameral =two-chambered as a legislative body
bicker =quarrel
bid =command; utter (a greeting); offer as a price
biennial =every two years
bifurcated =divided into two branches; forked
bigot =one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)
bigotry =stubborn intolerance
bilious =suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile
bilk =swindle; cheat
billow =large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke)
billowing =swelling out in waves; surging
biting =sharply painful to the body or mind
bitter =having a sharp biting taste
bivouac =temporary encampment; camp without tents
bizarre =fantastic; violently contrasting; strikingly unconventional
blackball =vote against (an applicant); ostracize
blanch =bleach; whiten; make white or pale
bland =soothing or mild (food); agreeable
Blandishment =flattery
blare= loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light
blasé =bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored
blasphemy= irreverence; sacrilege; bad language about God or holy things
blatant =extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive
bleak =cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing
blemish =mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of
blight =plant disease
blighted =suffering from a disease; destroyed
bliss =complete happiness
blithe(blithesome) = gay; joyous
bloated = (unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air
blotch =spot; blot
blowhard= talkative boaster; braggart
bludgeon =club; heavy-headed weapon
blue =gloomy; depressed
blues =state of depression or melancholy; style of slow
bluff =pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff
blunder =error; stupid mistake
blunt =having a dull edge
blurt =utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement
blush =become red in the face (from embarrassment or shame)
bluster= blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully
bode =foreshadow; portend
bog= soft wet land
bogus =counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false
Bohemian= unconventional (in an artistic way)
boisterous =violent; rough; noisy
bolster =support; reinforce
bolt =door bar; fastening pin or screw
bombardment =attack (as with missiles or bombs)
bombast= grandiloquent, pompous speech
bombastic =pompous; using inflated language
bookish =fond of books and reading
boon =blessing; benefit; something very helpful
boor= rude, insensitive person
boorish= rude; insensitive
boost =lift by pushing up from below; increase
botch= mismanage; blow
bouillon =clear beef (or meat) soup
bound =leap or spring; limit or confine; constitute the limit of
bountiful =generous; graciously generous
bourgeois= middle class; selfishly materialistic
bout match= short period of great activity
bovine =cow like
bowdlerize= expurgate
brackish =somewhat saline
brag= boast
braggadocio= boasting
braggart =boaster; bragger
Braid= plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together
brand= trademark; mark burned on the hide of an animal
brandish =wave around (a weapon); flourish
bravado =swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of bravery
brave =face courageously
brawl =noisy quarrel
brawn =human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness
brawny =muscular; having well-developed muscles
brazen =insolent; without shame; bold
breach= breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening
breadth =width; extent
breed =produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an undesirable condition)
brevity =conciseness; shortness of duration
bridle =harness fitted about a horse’s head (used to restrain); curb; check
brim= uppermost edge of a cup; projecting rim (as on a hat)
brindled =tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
brink =edge (at the top of a cliff)
brisk =quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor
bristle= short stiff hair
bristling =rising like bristles; showing irritation
brittle =hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable
Broach =introduce as a subject; moot; open up
brocade= rich, figured (patterned) fabric
brochure =pamphlet
broil =cook by direct heat
bromide= platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement
brooch =ornamental clasp; pin
brood =sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry anxiously
brook =tolerate; endure
browbeat =bully; intimidate
browse =graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually
bruise= injure without breaking the skin
brunt =main impact or shock (of an attack or blow)
brusque= blunt; abrupt; curt
buccaneer =pirate
bucolic =rustic; pastoral
buffet= strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out
Buffoon= stupid person; clown
Bugaboo =bugbear; object of baseless terror
bulge= protruding part; swelling of a surface
bulk= size or volume (esp. when very large)
bulky= having great size
bullion =gold and silver in the form of bars
bully =one who is habitually cruel to weaker people
bulwark =strong wall built for defense
bump= hit or knock against with force
bungle =mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior
buoyant =able to float; cheerful and optimistic
bureaucracy =overregulated administrative system marked by red tape
burgeon =grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds
burlesque= give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly
burnish =make shiny by rubbing; polish
bust= piece of sculpture showing a person’s head, shoulders, and upper chest
Buttress= support; prop up
Buxom= full-bosomed; plump; jolly
C
Bacchanal= noisy party with a lot of drinking
Backslide= revert (to bad habits)
badger= pester; annoy continually with demands
badinage =teasing conversation; banter; joking talk
baffle =frustrate; perplex
bait =harass; tease; torment
baiting =food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals
baleful =evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly
balk =stop short, as if faced with an obstacle
ballast =heavy substance used to add stability or weight
balm =something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees
balmy =soft and mild (of air); fragrant
banal =hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; cliché
bandy =discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner
bane =poison; cause of ruin
baneful= harmful; poisonous
bank =heap; piled-up mass; embankment
bantering= joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing
bar =railing in a courtroom; legal profession; vertical line dividing a staff into equal measures
barb =sharp projection from fishhook, arrow
bard =poet
barefaced =shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold
bargain =agreement between two groups or people
baroque= highly ornate
barrage =barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion
barrister= counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law
barterer= trader
Barter =trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money
base =contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or quality
Bask =luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
bastion =stronghold; something seen as a source of protection
bate =let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain
battalion= army unit made up of four or more companies
bauble= trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
Bawdy =indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way
Bearing =deportment; connection
beatific =giving or showing bliss; blissful
beatitude= blessedness; state of great happiness
bedizens =dress with vulgar finery
bedraggle= wet thoroughly
bedraggled =draggled
beeline =direct quick route
befuddle= confuse thoroughly
beget =father; become the father of; produce; give rise to
begrudge =envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge
beguile =deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract
behemoth= huge creature; something of monstrous size or power
beholden =obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude
behoove= be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary
belabor= harp on; dwell on tediously; explain
belated= delayed
beleaguer= besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset
belie =contradict; give a false impression; disguise
belittle =disparage; depreciate
bellicose =warlike
belligerent =quarrelsome
bemoan =lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of
bemused =confused; lost in thought; preoccupied
benediction =blessing
benefactor= gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose
beneficent= kindly; doing good
beneficial= helpful; useful; advantageous
beneficiary =person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will
benefit =advantage; anything that brings help, advantage, profit
benevolent =generous; charitable; having a wish to do good
benign= kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease)
Benison= blessing
bent =determined
bequeath =leave to someone by means of a will
berate =scold strongly
bereaved=deprived of (someone beloved through death)
bereavement =state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved
bereft =deprived of (something valuable); lacking
berserk= mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited
beseech =beg; plead with
beset =harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
besiege =surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually
besmirch= soil; defile; make dirty
bestial =beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel
bestow =confer
betoken =signify; indicate; be a sign of
betray =be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly)
betroth =become engaged to marry
bevy =large group
beware =be cautious (of)
bewitch =cast a spell over; captivate completely
bicameral =two-chambered as a legislative body
bicker =quarrel
bid =command; utter (a greeting); offer as a price
biennial =every two years
bifurcated =divided into two branches; forked
bigot =one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)
bigotry =stubborn intolerance
bilious =suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile
bilk =swindle; cheat
billow =large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke)
billowing =swelling out in waves; surging
biting =sharply painful to the body or mind
bitter =having a sharp biting taste
bivouac =temporary encampment; camp without tents
bizarre =fantastic; violently contrasting; strikingly unconventional
blackball =vote against (an applicant); ostracize
blanch =bleach; whiten; make white or pale
bland =soothing or mild (food); agreeable
Blandishment =flattery
blare= loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light
blasé =bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored
blasphemy= irreverence; sacrilege; bad language about God or holy things
blatant =extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive
bleak =cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing
blemish =mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of
blight =plant disease
blighted =suffering from a disease; destroyed
bliss =complete happiness
blithe(blithesome) = gay; joyous
bloated = (unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air
blotch =spot; blot
blowhard= talkative boaster; braggart
bludgeon =club; heavy-headed weapon
blue =gloomy; depressed
blues =state of depression or melancholy; style of slow
bluff =pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff
blunder =error; stupid mistake
blunt =having a dull edge
blurt =utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement
blush =become red in the face (from embarrassment or shame)
bluster= blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully
bode =foreshadow; portend
bog= soft wet land
bogus =counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false
Bohemian= unconventional (in an artistic way)
boisterous =violent; rough; noisy
bolster =support; reinforce
bolt =door bar; fastening pin or screw
bombardment =attack (as with missiles or bombs)
bombast= grandiloquent, pompous speech
bombastic =pompous; using inflated language
bookish =fond of books and reading
boon =blessing; benefit; something very helpful
boor= rude, insensitive person
boorish= rude; insensitive
boost =lift by pushing up from below; increase
botch= mismanage; blow
bouillon =clear beef (or meat) soup
bound =leap or spring; limit or confine; constitute the limit of
bountiful =generous; graciously generous
bourgeois= middle class; selfishly materialistic
bout match= short period of great activity
bovine =cow like
bowdlerize= expurgate
brackish =somewhat saline
brag= boast
braggadocio= boasting
braggart =boaster; bragger
Braid= plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together
brand= trademark; mark burned on the hide of an animal
brandish =wave around (a weapon); flourish
bravado =swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of bravery
brave =face courageously
brawl =noisy quarrel
brawn =human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness
brawny =muscular; having well-developed muscles
brazen =insolent; without shame; bold
breach= breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening
breadth =width; extent
breed =produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an undesirable condition)
brevity =conciseness; shortness of duration
bridle =harness fitted about a horse’s head (used to restrain); curb; check
brim= uppermost edge of a cup; projecting rim (as on a hat)
brindled =tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
brink =edge (at the top of a cliff)
brisk =quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor
bristle= short stiff hair
bristling =rising like bristles; showing irritation
brittle =hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable
Broach =introduce as a subject; moot; open up
brocade= rich, figured (patterned) fabric
brochure =pamphlet
broil =cook by direct heat
bromide= platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement
brooch =ornamental clasp; pin
brood =sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry anxiously
brook =tolerate; endure
browbeat =bully; intimidate
browse =graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually
bruise= injure without breaking the skin
brunt =main impact or shock (of an attack or blow)
brusque= blunt; abrupt; curt
buccaneer =pirate
bucolic =rustic; pastoral
buffet= strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out
Buffoon= stupid person; clown
Bugaboo =bugbear; object of baseless terror
bulge= protruding part; swelling of a surface
bulk= size or volume (esp. when very large)
bulky= having great size
bullion =gold and silver in the form of bars
bully =one who is habitually cruel to weaker people
bulwark =strong wall built for defense
bump= hit or knock against with force
bungle =mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior
buoyant =able to float; cheerful and optimistic
bureaucracy =overregulated administrative system marked by red tape
burgeon =grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds
burlesque= give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly
burnish =make shiny by rubbing; polish
bust= piece of sculpture showing a person’s head, shoulders, and upper chest
Buttress= support; prop up
Buxom= full-bosomed; plump; jolly
C
Cabal =small group of persons secretly united to promote
their own interests
cache =hiding place
cacophonous =discordant; inharmonious
cacophony =unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
cadaver =corpse; dead human body
cadaverous= like a corpse; pale
cadence =rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm
cadet =student at a military school
cajole =persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
calamity =disaster; misery
calculated =deliberately planned; likely
caldron(cauldron) =large kettle
caliber =ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a round cylinder
calligraphy =beautiful writing; excellent penmanship
callous =hardened; unfeeling; without sympathy for the sufferings of others; unkind
callow= youthful; immature; inexperienced
callus =area of thick hard skin
calorific= heat-producing
calumny= malicious misrepresentation; slander
camaraderie= good-fellowship
cameo =shell or jewel carved in relief; star’s special appearance in a minor role in a film
camp =group sharing a common cause or opinion
canard =unfounded false rumor; exaggerated false report
candor= frankness; open honesty
canine =related to dogs; doglike
canker =any ulcerous sore; ulcer; any evil
canny =shrewd in money matters; thrifty
cant= insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of thieves
cantankerous =ill-humored; irritable
cantata =story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter than an oratorio)
canter =slow gallop
canto= division of a long poem
canvass =determine or seek opinions, votes
capacious=spacious
capacity =mental or physical ability; role; position or duty
capillary =having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and slender
capitulate =surrender; give up all resistance
caprice= whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause
capricious= unpredictable; fickle
capsize = (of a boat) turn over
caption= title; chapter heading; text under illustration
captious= faultfinding; too critical
carafe =glass water bottle; decanter
carapace =shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise, crab, etc.)
carat(karat) =unit of weight for precious stones; measure of the purity of gold
carcinogenic= causing cancer
cardinal =chief; most important
cardiologist =doctor specializing in ailments of the heart
careen =lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular swinging movement; stagger
career= rush wildly; go at full speed
carefree =free from worries; having no problems
caricature =distortion; burlesque
carillon =a set of bells (often in a tower) capable of being played
carnage =destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large numbers of people or animals
carnal =fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body
carnivorous= meat-eating
carousal =drunken revel
carping= petty criticism; fault-finding; fretful complaining; quibble
carrion =rotting flesh of a dead body
cartographer =map-maker
cascade= small waterfall
caste =one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society
castigation= punishment; severe criticism or disapproval
castrate =remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)
casual =happening by chance
casualty =serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle
cataclysm= deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden event or change
catalyst =agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged
catapult =slingshot; hurling machine
cataract =great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual loss of eyesight)
catastrophe =calamity ; disaster
catcall= shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the theater or a sports match)
catechism= book for religious instruction in question-and-answer form
categorical=without exceptions; made without any doubt in mind; unqualified; absolute
cater =provide food and drink (for); cater to
catharsis =purging or cleansing of any passage of the body
cathartic= purgative; medicine that causes the bowels to empty
catholic = (of likings and interests) universal; general; broad
caucus =private meeting of a group of people in a political party to select officers
caulk(calk) = make watertight (by blocking up cracks as in a ship)
causal =implying a cause-and-effect relationship
caustic =burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action
cauterize =burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron
cavalcade =procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages; parade
cavalier= casual and offhand; arrogant
cavil =quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault unnecessarily
cede =yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war); surrender formally
celerity =speed; rapidity
celestial =heavenly
celibate =abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried
cemetery =place for burying the dead
censor = (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census)
censorious= severely critical
censure= blame; criticize; express strong disapproval
centaur =mythical figure, half man and half horse
centigrade= denoting a widely used temperature scale (basically same as Celsius)
centrifugal= radiating; departing from the center
centrifuge= machine that separates substances by whirling them
centripetal =tending toward the center
centurion =Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100 soldiers)
cerebral =pertaining to the brain or intellect
cerebration= thought; working of the brain
ceremonious= marked by formality; extremely formal and polite
ceremony =conventional social courtesy
certitude =certainty
cessation =stoppage
cession= yielding to another; ceding
chafe =warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing
chaff =worthless products of an endeavor; husk
chaffing =bantering; joking
chagrin =annoyance and disappointment
chalice= goblet; consecrated cup
chameleon =lizard that changes color in different situations
champion =support militantly; fight for
Championship= position of champion; competition held to determine a champion
chancellor= legal official of high rank
chancellery= position of a chancellor
chant =tune(melody) in which a number of words are sung on the same note
chaotic= in utter disorder
chapel =small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)
chaperon= older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman
chaplain= clergyman attached to a chapel
char =make or become black by burning; reduce or be reduced to carbon or charcoal
charisma =divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; magnetism
charlatan =quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)
charm =quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula thought to have magical power; spell
chary =cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or restrained about giving
chase =ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow rapidly to catch
chasm= abyss; very deep crack
chassis= framework and working parts of an automobile; framework to which components are attached
chaste =morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit sexual acts; modest
chasten =discipline; punish in order to correct
chastise= punish as by beating; criticize severely
chauvinist =blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of a group, cause, or sex
check =stop motion; curb or restrain
checkered =marked by great changes in fortune
Checked= having a pattern of squares
cherubic= angelic; innocent-looking
cherub= winged angel of the highest order
chicanery= trickery; deception
chide= scold; rebuke (someone who has done wrong)
chimerical =fantastically improbable; highly unrealistic
chimera =unreal fancy; fire-breathing female creature
chip =lose a small piece from the surface or edge
chisel =swindle or cheat
chivalrous =courteous; faithful; brave
choice =delicate; of very fine quality
choir= group of people who sing together (esp. during religious services)
choleric =hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable
chore =daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping)
choreography= art of representing dances in written symbols; arrangement of dances
chortle =chuckle with delight
chorus =phrase repeated throughout a song or poem
chronic= long established as a disease
chronicle= report; record (in chronological order)
chuckle =laugh quietly
churlish= boorish; rude
ciliated =having minute hairs
cipher =nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code
circlet =small ring; band of gold, silver, jewel
circuit= closed circular line around an area; circumference
circuitous =roundabout
circumlocution= indirect or roundabout expression (by using an unnecessarily large number of words)
circumscribe =limit; confine; draw a line around
circumspect =prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought
circumvent= outwit; defeat by behaving more cleverly; outsmart
cistern =reservoir or water tank
citadel =fortress
cite =quote; commend
civil having =to do with citizens; not military or religious
clairvoyant= having foresight; fortuneteller
clamber =climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble
clamor= loud continuous noise; continuous demand
clandestine =secret
clangor= loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging
clap= strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound
clapping= loud or explosive sound
clapper= striker (tongue) of a bell
clarion= shrill, trumpet like sound; kind of trumpet used in former times
clasp= hold firmly within arms
claustrophobia= fear of being locked in
clavicle =collarbone
cleave =split or sever; cling to; remain faithful to
cleft= split
clemency =disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments; mildness as of the weather
cliché =phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; platitude
clientele =body of customers
climactic= relating to the highest point
clime =climate
clip =cut off with shears; fasten
clipper =sailing vessel built for great speed
clique =small exclusive group of people
cloister =monastery or convent
clot= half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood)
clout =great influence (especially political or social); hard blow with fist
clown =act stupidly; play the fool
cloying= distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental
cloy =become unpleasant through too much sweetness or excess
coagulate =congeal; thicken; clot
coalesce =combine; fuse
coalition= partnership; league; union of separate political parties
coax =persuade by flattery
coda =concluding section of a musical or literary composition
coddle= treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mollycoddle
codicil= supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a will
codify =arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify
coercion= use of force to get someone to object; compelling
coeval= living at the same time as; existing during the same period of time
cog =tooth projecting from a wheel
cogent =convincing
cogitate =think over; ponder
cognate= having a common origin; related linguistically
cognitive =having to do with knowing or perceiving related to the mental processes
cognition= the mental process of knowing
cognizance= knowledge
cognizant =having knowledge; aware
cohabit =live together
cohere =stick together
cohesion =tendency to keep together
cohorts= group of people who share some common quality; armed band
coiffure =hairstyle
coin= make coins; invent or fabricate (a word or phrase)
coincidence= the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or more seemingly connected events
coincide= happen at the same time; be in agreement
colander =utensil with perforated bottom used for straining
collaborate= work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy
collage =work of art put together from fragments
collate =examine and compare in order to verify authenticity
collateral= security given for loan
collation =a light meal; collating
collected =composed; calm; self-possessed
colloquial =pertaining to conversational or common speech; informal
colloquialism= colloquial expression
colloquy= informal discussion; conversation
collusion =conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others
colossal =huge
colossus =gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or importance
coma =deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease
comatose= in a coma; extremely sleepy
combustible= easily burned
comeback =retort; quick clever reply; return to former status
comely =attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance
comestible =something fit to be eaten
comeuppance= deserts; well-deserved punishment
comity =courtesy; civility
commandeer =take (private property) for military use without needing permission or giving payment
commemorate =honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to
commemorative =remembering; honoring the memory of
commensurate =equal in extent; of the same size
commiserate =feel or express pity or sympathy for
commodious =spacious and comfortable
commonplace= ordinary
commonwealth =nation governed by the people; republic; people of a nation
communal= held in common; public; of a group of people; of a commune
commune =small (often rural) community whose members share work and income
compact =agreement; contract
compartment =one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided
compassion =sympathy for the suffering of others
compatible =harmonious; in harmony with; able to exist together
compelling= overpowering; irresistible in effect
compendium =brief, comprehensive summary
compensatory= making up for; repaying
compilation =listing of information in tabular or book form; compiling
compile =assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report or a book) from facts and information found in various places
complacency =self-satisfaction; smugness
complaisant =trying to please; obliging; willing to please others
complement =complete; consummate; make perfect
complementary =serving to complete something
compliance =conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield
compliant =readily acting in accordance with a rule, order
complicity =participation; involvement (in a questionable act or a crime)
component= element; ingredient
comport =bear one’s self; behave
compost =mixture of decaying organic matter used as fertilizer
composure= mental calmness
compound= combine; produce by combining; increase
comprehend= include; understand
comprehensive= broad; including a lot or everything; thorough; inclusive
compress= force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into fewer words
comprise =include; consist of
compromise =adjust or settle by making mutual concessions
compulsion =compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control
compulsive= resulting from compulsion
compulsory= obligatory; that must be done
compunction= remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt
compute= reckon; calculate
concatenate= link as in a chain
concave =hollow; curved inwards
concede =admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly)
conceit =vanity or self-love
concentric =having a common center
conception= beginning; forming of an idea; fertilization
conceive= form an idea in the mind; devise; become pregnant
concerted= mutually agreed on; done together by agreement
concession= an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded
conciliatory =reconciling; soothing
conciliate= reconcile; soothe; win the friendly feelings (by removing anger)
concise= brief and compact
conclave =private secret meeting
conclusive =decisive; ending all debate
concoct =prepare by mixing or combining
concomitant= that which accompanies
concord= harmony; accord
concordat= formal agreement
concur =agree; coincide; happen at the same time
concurrent= happening at the same time
condescend= bestow courtesies with a superior air
condign =adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved
condiments =seasonings; spices
condole =express condolences
condolence= sympathy for someone who has experienced great sorrow
condone =overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse
conducive =helpful; contributive
conduit =aqueduct; passageway for fluids
confidant= (confidante) trusted friend (to whom one tells one’s secret)
confide =tell in confidence (to a person one trusts)
confidence =self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a strong belief in one’s abilities
confidential =spoken or written in secret; trusted with private matters
confine= shut in an enclosed space; keep within limits
confiscate =seize; take possession of (private property) by official order
conflagration= great fire
confluence= flowing together; the place where two rivers flow together
conformist =person who uncritically conforms to the customs of a group
Nonconformist= one who does not conform to accepted beliefs of norms
conformity= harmony; agreement with established rules or customs; similarity
conform= be similar; act in agreement; comply
confound= confuse; puzzle
congeal =freeze; coagulate
congenial =pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one’s tastes and nature
congenital =existing at birth
conglomerate= corporation made up of several different companies in diversified fields
conglomeration= mass of material sticking together
congruence= correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship
congruent =in agreement; harmonious; corresponding; coinciding exactly
conifer= pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree
conjecture =surmise; guess
conjugal= pertaining to marriage
conjure =cause to appear by magic; summon (a devil or a spirit) by magical power
Conjure up= bring into the mind
connivance =pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend
connive= feign ignorance (of a wrong); conspire
connoisseur =person competent to act as a judge of art; a lover of an art
connotation =suggested or implied meaning of an expression
connubial =pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state
consanguineous= (consanguine) having a common ancestor
consanguinity= kinship; relationship by birth
conscientious =scrupulous; through and careful
conscript =draftee; person forced into military service
consecrate =dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred
consensus =general agreement; opinion reached by a group
consequential =self-important; significant; consequent; following as a result
conservatory= (conservatoire) school of the fine arts (especially music or drama)
consign =send to a person or place for sale; deliver officially; entrust
consistency =absence of contradictions; uniformity
console= lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort
consolidation= unification; process of becoming firmer or stronger
consolidate= merge; strengthen
consonance= harmony; agreement
consonant= harmonious; in agreement
consort =associate with; keep company
conspiracy =treacherous plot; secret plan against the law
conspire =take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together
consternation= great shock; dismay
constituency =voters represented by an elected official; district so represented
constituent =supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component
constitution= constituting; system of laws; composition of something
constraint =restraint; compulsion; repression of feelings; reticence
constrain =hold back; restrain; compel
construe= explain; interpret
consummate =complete
contagion =infection (by contact)
contaminate =pollute
contempt= scorn; disdain
contend =struggle; compete; assert earnestly
contention =assertion; claim; thesis
contentious =quarrelsome; controversial
contest =dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for; try to win
context =writings preceding and following the passage quoted; circumstance in which an event occurs
contiguous= adjacent to; touching upon
continence= self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence
contingent= dependent on something uncertain or in the future; conditional
Contingency= future event that may or may not occur; possibility
contortions= twisting; distortions
contort= twist violently out of shape
contraband= illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods
contravene= contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom)
contrite =penitent; repentant
contrivance= something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan
contrive= invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation)
contrived =unnatural and forced; artificial; not spontaneous
controvert =oppose with arguments; attempt to refute; contradict
contumacious= stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority
contusion= bruise
conundrum =riddle; difficult problem
convene= come together; assemble; call to meet
convention =social or moral custom; established practice; formal meeting; international agreement
conventional= ordinary; typical; not nuclear
converge =approach; tend to meet; come together
conversant =familiar with; having knowledge of
converse= opposite
convert =one who has adopted a different religion or opinion
convex =curving outward
conveyance= vehicle; transfer; act of conveying
conviction= judgment that someone is guilty of a crime
convivial =pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay
convoke= call together
convoluted =coiled around; twisted; involved; complicated; intricate
convolution= twist
convulsion= violent uncontrollable shaking movement
copious= plentiful
coquette= flirt; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings
cordial =warmly friendly; gracious; heartfelt
cordon= extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress
cornice =projecting molding on building (usually above columns or pillars)
cornucopia= horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with fruit and grain
corollary =natural consequence (which naturally follows from something else)
coroner= public official who investigates any death thought to be of other than natural causes
corporeal =bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form; material; tangible
corpulent =very fat
corpus =collection (of writings or information)
corpuscle =red or white cell in the blood
correlate= either of the correlated things
correlation= mutual relationship
corroborate =confirm; support; strengthen
corrode =destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action
corrosive= eating away by chemicals or disease
corrugated=wrinkled; ridged
cosmic =pertaining to the universe; vast
coterie =group that meets socially; select circle
countenance= approve; support; tolerate
countermand =cancel; revoke (an order)
counterpart= thing that completes another
coup= highly successful action or sudden attack
coup de grace =deathblow or shot which kills
couple =join; unite
courier= messenger
court =attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to invite
covenant =binding agreement between two groups or people; compact
covert =secret; hidden; implied
covetous= avaricious; desirous of (someone else’s possessions)
covet= desire eagerly (someone else’s possessions)
cow =terrorize; intimidate
cower =shrink quivering as from fear; cringe
coy =shy (flirtatiously); showing a (pretended) lack of self-confidence; coquettish
cozen =cheat; hoodwink; swindle
crabbed= sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read as handwriting
craft= skill (esp. with one’s hands); guile
crafty =cleverly deceitful; cunning
crass =very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating
crave =desire; want intensely
craven =cowardly
credence =belief
credential =evidence concerning one’s authority
credo =creed
credulity= belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naiveté
creed =system of religious or ethical belief
creep= move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly
cremate= incinerate (a corpse)
crescendo= increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax
crest =top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the head of a bird
crestfallen =dejected; dispirited
crevice= crack; fissure
cringe =shrink back as if in fear; cower
crinkle= wrinkle
criteria =standards used in judging
crochet =make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread with a hooked needle
crone= hag; ugly old woman
cross =bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry
crossbreed= hybridize
crotchety= (of someone old) eccentric; odd; bad-tempered
Crotchet =odd or whimsical notion
crust= hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)
crux =essential or main point
crucial =of deciding importance
crypt= secret recess or vault usually used for burial; underground room (under a church)
cryptic= mysterious; hidden; secret
cubicle= small chamber used for sleeping or work
cue= word or signal (as in a play to prompt another actor’s speech or entrance)
cuisine =style of cooking
culinary =relating to cooking or kitchen
cull =pick out from others (to kill the weakest members)
culmination= highest point; climax
culminate in= reach the highest point in; end in
culpable= deserving blame; blameworthy
culprit= one guilty of a crime
culvert =artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a road
cumbersome =heavy and awkward to carry or wear; burdensome
cumulative= growing by addition; accumulative
cunning =clever in deceiving; sly
cupidity =greed (for wealth)
curator =superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library)
curb= chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse
curfew =regulation requiring all people to leave the streets at stated times
curmudgeon= churlish, miserly individual; bad-tempered old person
cursive= (of writing) flowing; running; having the successive letters joined
cursory =casual; hastily done with little attention to detail
curtail= shorten; reduce
cynical= skeptical or distrustful of human motives
Cynic= person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness
cynosure= person or thing that is a center of attention
D
cache =hiding place
cacophonous =discordant; inharmonious
cacophony =unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
cadaver =corpse; dead human body
cadaverous= like a corpse; pale
cadence =rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm
cadet =student at a military school
cajole =persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
calamity =disaster; misery
calculated =deliberately planned; likely
caldron(cauldron) =large kettle
caliber =ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a round cylinder
calligraphy =beautiful writing; excellent penmanship
callous =hardened; unfeeling; without sympathy for the sufferings of others; unkind
callow= youthful; immature; inexperienced
callus =area of thick hard skin
calorific= heat-producing
calumny= malicious misrepresentation; slander
camaraderie= good-fellowship
cameo =shell or jewel carved in relief; star’s special appearance in a minor role in a film
camp =group sharing a common cause or opinion
canard =unfounded false rumor; exaggerated false report
candor= frankness; open honesty
canine =related to dogs; doglike
canker =any ulcerous sore; ulcer; any evil
canny =shrewd in money matters; thrifty
cant= insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of thieves
cantankerous =ill-humored; irritable
cantata =story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter than an oratorio)
canter =slow gallop
canto= division of a long poem
canvass =determine or seek opinions, votes
capacious=spacious
capacity =mental or physical ability; role; position or duty
capillary =having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and slender
capitulate =surrender; give up all resistance
caprice= whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause
capricious= unpredictable; fickle
capsize = (of a boat) turn over
caption= title; chapter heading; text under illustration
captious= faultfinding; too critical
carafe =glass water bottle; decanter
carapace =shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise, crab, etc.)
carat(karat) =unit of weight for precious stones; measure of the purity of gold
carcinogenic= causing cancer
cardinal =chief; most important
cardiologist =doctor specializing in ailments of the heart
careen =lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular swinging movement; stagger
career= rush wildly; go at full speed
carefree =free from worries; having no problems
caricature =distortion; burlesque
carillon =a set of bells (often in a tower) capable of being played
carnage =destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large numbers of people or animals
carnal =fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body
carnivorous= meat-eating
carousal =drunken revel
carping= petty criticism; fault-finding; fretful complaining; quibble
carrion =rotting flesh of a dead body
cartographer =map-maker
cascade= small waterfall
caste =one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society
castigation= punishment; severe criticism or disapproval
castrate =remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)
casual =happening by chance
casualty =serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle
cataclysm= deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden event or change
catalyst =agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged
catapult =slingshot; hurling machine
cataract =great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual loss of eyesight)
catastrophe =calamity ; disaster
catcall= shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the theater or a sports match)
catechism= book for religious instruction in question-and-answer form
categorical=without exceptions; made without any doubt in mind; unqualified; absolute
cater =provide food and drink (for); cater to
catharsis =purging or cleansing of any passage of the body
cathartic= purgative; medicine that causes the bowels to empty
catholic = (of likings and interests) universal; general; broad
caucus =private meeting of a group of people in a political party to select officers
caulk(calk) = make watertight (by blocking up cracks as in a ship)
causal =implying a cause-and-effect relationship
caustic =burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action
cauterize =burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron
cavalcade =procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages; parade
cavalier= casual and offhand; arrogant
cavil =quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault unnecessarily
cede =yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war); surrender formally
celerity =speed; rapidity
celestial =heavenly
celibate =abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried
cemetery =place for burying the dead
censor = (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census)
censorious= severely critical
censure= blame; criticize; express strong disapproval
centaur =mythical figure, half man and half horse
centigrade= denoting a widely used temperature scale (basically same as Celsius)
centrifugal= radiating; departing from the center
centrifuge= machine that separates substances by whirling them
centripetal =tending toward the center
centurion =Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100 soldiers)
cerebral =pertaining to the brain or intellect
cerebration= thought; working of the brain
ceremonious= marked by formality; extremely formal and polite
ceremony =conventional social courtesy
certitude =certainty
cessation =stoppage
cession= yielding to another; ceding
chafe =warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing
chaff =worthless products of an endeavor; husk
chaffing =bantering; joking
chagrin =annoyance and disappointment
chalice= goblet; consecrated cup
chameleon =lizard that changes color in different situations
champion =support militantly; fight for
Championship= position of champion; competition held to determine a champion
chancellor= legal official of high rank
chancellery= position of a chancellor
chant =tune(melody) in which a number of words are sung on the same note
chaotic= in utter disorder
chapel =small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)
chaperon= older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman
chaplain= clergyman attached to a chapel
char =make or become black by burning; reduce or be reduced to carbon or charcoal
charisma =divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; magnetism
charlatan =quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)
charm =quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula thought to have magical power; spell
chary =cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or restrained about giving
chase =ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow rapidly to catch
chasm= abyss; very deep crack
chassis= framework and working parts of an automobile; framework to which components are attached
chaste =morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit sexual acts; modest
chasten =discipline; punish in order to correct
chastise= punish as by beating; criticize severely
chauvinist =blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of a group, cause, or sex
check =stop motion; curb or restrain
checkered =marked by great changes in fortune
Checked= having a pattern of squares
cherubic= angelic; innocent-looking
cherub= winged angel of the highest order
chicanery= trickery; deception
chide= scold; rebuke (someone who has done wrong)
chimerical =fantastically improbable; highly unrealistic
chimera =unreal fancy; fire-breathing female creature
chip =lose a small piece from the surface or edge
chisel =swindle or cheat
chivalrous =courteous; faithful; brave
choice =delicate; of very fine quality
choir= group of people who sing together (esp. during religious services)
choleric =hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable
chore =daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping)
choreography= art of representing dances in written symbols; arrangement of dances
chortle =chuckle with delight
chorus =phrase repeated throughout a song or poem
chronic= long established as a disease
chronicle= report; record (in chronological order)
chuckle =laugh quietly
churlish= boorish; rude
ciliated =having minute hairs
cipher =nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code
circlet =small ring; band of gold, silver, jewel
circuit= closed circular line around an area; circumference
circuitous =roundabout
circumlocution= indirect or roundabout expression (by using an unnecessarily large number of words)
circumscribe =limit; confine; draw a line around
circumspect =prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought
circumvent= outwit; defeat by behaving more cleverly; outsmart
cistern =reservoir or water tank
citadel =fortress
cite =quote; commend
civil having =to do with citizens; not military or religious
clairvoyant= having foresight; fortuneteller
clamber =climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble
clamor= loud continuous noise; continuous demand
clandestine =secret
clangor= loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging
clap= strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound
clapping= loud or explosive sound
clapper= striker (tongue) of a bell
clarion= shrill, trumpet like sound; kind of trumpet used in former times
clasp= hold firmly within arms
claustrophobia= fear of being locked in
clavicle =collarbone
cleave =split or sever; cling to; remain faithful to
cleft= split
clemency =disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments; mildness as of the weather
cliché =phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; platitude
clientele =body of customers
climactic= relating to the highest point
clime =climate
clip =cut off with shears; fasten
clipper =sailing vessel built for great speed
clique =small exclusive group of people
cloister =monastery or convent
clot= half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood)
clout =great influence (especially political or social); hard blow with fist
clown =act stupidly; play the fool
cloying= distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental
cloy =become unpleasant through too much sweetness or excess
coagulate =congeal; thicken; clot
coalesce =combine; fuse
coalition= partnership; league; union of separate political parties
coax =persuade by flattery
coda =concluding section of a musical or literary composition
coddle= treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mollycoddle
codicil= supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a will
codify =arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify
coercion= use of force to get someone to object; compelling
coeval= living at the same time as; existing during the same period of time
cog =tooth projecting from a wheel
cogent =convincing
cogitate =think over; ponder
cognate= having a common origin; related linguistically
cognitive =having to do with knowing or perceiving related to the mental processes
cognition= the mental process of knowing
cognizance= knowledge
cognizant =having knowledge; aware
cohabit =live together
cohere =stick together
cohesion =tendency to keep together
cohorts= group of people who share some common quality; armed band
coiffure =hairstyle
coin= make coins; invent or fabricate (a word or phrase)
coincidence= the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or more seemingly connected events
coincide= happen at the same time; be in agreement
colander =utensil with perforated bottom used for straining
collaborate= work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy
collage =work of art put together from fragments
collate =examine and compare in order to verify authenticity
collateral= security given for loan
collation =a light meal; collating
collected =composed; calm; self-possessed
colloquial =pertaining to conversational or common speech; informal
colloquialism= colloquial expression
colloquy= informal discussion; conversation
collusion =conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others
colossal =huge
colossus =gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or importance
coma =deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease
comatose= in a coma; extremely sleepy
combustible= easily burned
comeback =retort; quick clever reply; return to former status
comely =attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance
comestible =something fit to be eaten
comeuppance= deserts; well-deserved punishment
comity =courtesy; civility
commandeer =take (private property) for military use without needing permission or giving payment
commemorate =honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to
commemorative =remembering; honoring the memory of
commensurate =equal in extent; of the same size
commiserate =feel or express pity or sympathy for
commodious =spacious and comfortable
commonplace= ordinary
commonwealth =nation governed by the people; republic; people of a nation
communal= held in common; public; of a group of people; of a commune
commune =small (often rural) community whose members share work and income
compact =agreement; contract
compartment =one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided
compassion =sympathy for the suffering of others
compatible =harmonious; in harmony with; able to exist together
compelling= overpowering; irresistible in effect
compendium =brief, comprehensive summary
compensatory= making up for; repaying
compilation =listing of information in tabular or book form; compiling
compile =assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report or a book) from facts and information found in various places
complacency =self-satisfaction; smugness
complaisant =trying to please; obliging; willing to please others
complement =complete; consummate; make perfect
complementary =serving to complete something
compliance =conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield
compliant =readily acting in accordance with a rule, order
complicity =participation; involvement (in a questionable act or a crime)
component= element; ingredient
comport =bear one’s self; behave
compost =mixture of decaying organic matter used as fertilizer
composure= mental calmness
compound= combine; produce by combining; increase
comprehend= include; understand
comprehensive= broad; including a lot or everything; thorough; inclusive
compress= force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into fewer words
comprise =include; consist of
compromise =adjust or settle by making mutual concessions
compulsion =compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control
compulsive= resulting from compulsion
compulsory= obligatory; that must be done
compunction= remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt
compute= reckon; calculate
concatenate= link as in a chain
concave =hollow; curved inwards
concede =admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly)
conceit =vanity or self-love
concentric =having a common center
conception= beginning; forming of an idea; fertilization
conceive= form an idea in the mind; devise; become pregnant
concerted= mutually agreed on; done together by agreement
concession= an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded
conciliatory =reconciling; soothing
conciliate= reconcile; soothe; win the friendly feelings (by removing anger)
concise= brief and compact
conclave =private secret meeting
conclusive =decisive; ending all debate
concoct =prepare by mixing or combining
concomitant= that which accompanies
concord= harmony; accord
concordat= formal agreement
concur =agree; coincide; happen at the same time
concurrent= happening at the same time
condescend= bestow courtesies with a superior air
condign =adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved
condiments =seasonings; spices
condole =express condolences
condolence= sympathy for someone who has experienced great sorrow
condone =overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse
conducive =helpful; contributive
conduit =aqueduct; passageway for fluids
confidant= (confidante) trusted friend (to whom one tells one’s secret)
confide =tell in confidence (to a person one trusts)
confidence =self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a strong belief in one’s abilities
confidential =spoken or written in secret; trusted with private matters
confine= shut in an enclosed space; keep within limits
confiscate =seize; take possession of (private property) by official order
conflagration= great fire
confluence= flowing together; the place where two rivers flow together
conformist =person who uncritically conforms to the customs of a group
Nonconformist= one who does not conform to accepted beliefs of norms
conformity= harmony; agreement with established rules or customs; similarity
conform= be similar; act in agreement; comply
confound= confuse; puzzle
congeal =freeze; coagulate
congenial =pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one’s tastes and nature
congenital =existing at birth
conglomerate= corporation made up of several different companies in diversified fields
conglomeration= mass of material sticking together
congruence= correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship
congruent =in agreement; harmonious; corresponding; coinciding exactly
conifer= pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree
conjecture =surmise; guess
conjugal= pertaining to marriage
conjure =cause to appear by magic; summon (a devil or a spirit) by magical power
Conjure up= bring into the mind
connivance =pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend
connive= feign ignorance (of a wrong); conspire
connoisseur =person competent to act as a judge of art; a lover of an art
connotation =suggested or implied meaning of an expression
connubial =pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state
consanguineous= (consanguine) having a common ancestor
consanguinity= kinship; relationship by birth
conscientious =scrupulous; through and careful
conscript =draftee; person forced into military service
consecrate =dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred
consensus =general agreement; opinion reached by a group
consequential =self-important; significant; consequent; following as a result
conservatory= (conservatoire) school of the fine arts (especially music or drama)
consign =send to a person or place for sale; deliver officially; entrust
consistency =absence of contradictions; uniformity
console= lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort
consolidation= unification; process of becoming firmer or stronger
consolidate= merge; strengthen
consonance= harmony; agreement
consonant= harmonious; in agreement
consort =associate with; keep company
conspiracy =treacherous plot; secret plan against the law
conspire =take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together
consternation= great shock; dismay
constituency =voters represented by an elected official; district so represented
constituent =supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component
constitution= constituting; system of laws; composition of something
constraint =restraint; compulsion; repression of feelings; reticence
constrain =hold back; restrain; compel
construe= explain; interpret
consummate =complete
contagion =infection (by contact)
contaminate =pollute
contempt= scorn; disdain
contend =struggle; compete; assert earnestly
contention =assertion; claim; thesis
contentious =quarrelsome; controversial
contest =dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for; try to win
context =writings preceding and following the passage quoted; circumstance in which an event occurs
contiguous= adjacent to; touching upon
continence= self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence
contingent= dependent on something uncertain or in the future; conditional
Contingency= future event that may or may not occur; possibility
contortions= twisting; distortions
contort= twist violently out of shape
contraband= illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods
contravene= contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom)
contrite =penitent; repentant
contrivance= something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan
contrive= invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation)
contrived =unnatural and forced; artificial; not spontaneous
controvert =oppose with arguments; attempt to refute; contradict
contumacious= stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority
contusion= bruise
conundrum =riddle; difficult problem
convene= come together; assemble; call to meet
convention =social or moral custom; established practice; formal meeting; international agreement
conventional= ordinary; typical; not nuclear
converge =approach; tend to meet; come together
conversant =familiar with; having knowledge of
converse= opposite
convert =one who has adopted a different religion or opinion
convex =curving outward
conveyance= vehicle; transfer; act of conveying
conviction= judgment that someone is guilty of a crime
convivial =pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay
convoke= call together
convoluted =coiled around; twisted; involved; complicated; intricate
convolution= twist
convulsion= violent uncontrollable shaking movement
copious= plentiful
coquette= flirt; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings
cordial =warmly friendly; gracious; heartfelt
cordon= extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress
cornice =projecting molding on building (usually above columns or pillars)
cornucopia= horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with fruit and grain
corollary =natural consequence (which naturally follows from something else)
coroner= public official who investigates any death thought to be of other than natural causes
corporeal =bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form; material; tangible
corpulent =very fat
corpus =collection (of writings or information)
corpuscle =red or white cell in the blood
correlate= either of the correlated things
correlation= mutual relationship
corroborate =confirm; support; strengthen
corrode =destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action
corrosive= eating away by chemicals or disease
corrugated=wrinkled; ridged
cosmic =pertaining to the universe; vast
coterie =group that meets socially; select circle
countenance= approve; support; tolerate
countermand =cancel; revoke (an order)
counterpart= thing that completes another
coup= highly successful action or sudden attack
coup de grace =deathblow or shot which kills
couple =join; unite
courier= messenger
court =attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to invite
covenant =binding agreement between two groups or people; compact
covert =secret; hidden; implied
covetous= avaricious; desirous of (someone else’s possessions)
covet= desire eagerly (someone else’s possessions)
cow =terrorize; intimidate
cower =shrink quivering as from fear; cringe
coy =shy (flirtatiously); showing a (pretended) lack of self-confidence; coquettish
cozen =cheat; hoodwink; swindle
crabbed= sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read as handwriting
craft= skill (esp. with one’s hands); guile
crafty =cleverly deceitful; cunning
crass =very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating
crave =desire; want intensely
craven =cowardly
credence =belief
credential =evidence concerning one’s authority
credo =creed
credulity= belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naiveté
creed =system of religious or ethical belief
creep= move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly
cremate= incinerate (a corpse)
crescendo= increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax
crest =top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the head of a bird
crestfallen =dejected; dispirited
crevice= crack; fissure
cringe =shrink back as if in fear; cower
crinkle= wrinkle
criteria =standards used in judging
crochet =make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread with a hooked needle
crone= hag; ugly old woman
cross =bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry
crossbreed= hybridize
crotchety= (of someone old) eccentric; odd; bad-tempered
Crotchet =odd or whimsical notion
crust= hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)
crux =essential or main point
crucial =of deciding importance
crypt= secret recess or vault usually used for burial; underground room (under a church)
cryptic= mysterious; hidden; secret
cubicle= small chamber used for sleeping or work
cue= word or signal (as in a play to prompt another actor’s speech or entrance)
cuisine =style of cooking
culinary =relating to cooking or kitchen
cull =pick out from others (to kill the weakest members)
culmination= highest point; climax
culminate in= reach the highest point in; end in
culpable= deserving blame; blameworthy
culprit= one guilty of a crime
culvert =artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a road
cumbersome =heavy and awkward to carry or wear; burdensome
cumulative= growing by addition; accumulative
cunning =clever in deceiving; sly
cupidity =greed (for wealth)
curator =superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library)
curb= chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse
curfew =regulation requiring all people to leave the streets at stated times
curmudgeon= churlish, miserly individual; bad-tempered old person
cursive= (of writing) flowing; running; having the successive letters joined
cursory =casual; hastily done with little attention to detail
curtail= shorten; reduce
cynical= skeptical or distrustful of human motives
Cynic= person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness
cynosure= person or thing that is a center of attention
D
dabble= work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around
dainty= delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious
dais= raised platform for speakers or other important people
dally =trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness
damn= condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlasting punishment
dank =damp; unpleasantly wet
dapper =neat and trim (in appearance)
dappled= spotted
dart =move or throw suddenly and quickly
daub =smear (as with paint); cover with something sticky
daunt= intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten
dauntless =bold; fearless
dawdle =loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing
daze =stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb
dazzle =make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder
deadlock =standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate
deadpan= wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expressionless face
dearth =scarcity
debacle= sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster
debar= bar; forbid; exclude
debase= degrade; reduce in quality or value
Degenerate= lower in esteem; disgrace
debauch =corrupt morally; seduce from virtue
debauchery= wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)
debilitate =weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble
debonair = (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please
debris =rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed
debunk =expose as false, exaggerated, worthless; ridicule
debut = first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society
debutante= young woman making formal entrance into society
decadence= decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civilization, or art)
decant=pour off gently (wine or liquid)
decapitate= behead
decelerate =slow down
deciduous= falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves
decimate= kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man); destroy or kill a large part of
decipher=decode
declivity =downward slope
décolleté = (of a dress) having a low-cut neckline
Décolletage= low neckline (on a dress)
decomposition =decay
decompose= decay; break and separate into simple parts
decorous= proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)
decorum =propriety; orderliness and good taste in manner
decoy= lure or bait
decree =authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law
decrepit =weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use
decrepitude= state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age
decry= express strong disapproval of
deducible =derived by reasoning
deduce =infer; derive by reasoning
deface =mar; disfigure
defalcate= embezzle
defame= harm someone’s reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander
default= failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present
defeatist= resigned to defeat or failure
defect =shortcoming
defection =desertion
defer =give in respectfully; submit; delay till later
deference= courteous regard for another’s wish
defiance= refusal to yield; resistance
defile= pollute; make filthy or dirty
definitive =most reliable; authorative and complete; that cannot be improved; conclusive
deflect= turn aside; turn away from a straight course
defoliate =destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the use of chemicals)
defray =provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay
defrock= strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock
deft neat =skillful
defunct =dead; no longer in use or existence
degenerate =become worse in quality; deteriorate
degradation =humiliation; debasement; degeneration
degrade =debase; disgrace; degenerate
dehydrate =remove water from; dry out
deify =turn into a god; make a god of; idolize
deign= condescend; stoop
delete= erase; strike out
deleterious= harmful
deliberate =consider; ponder
delineate =portray; depict; sketch; describe
delirium= mental disorder marked by confusion
delta =flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river
delude =deceive
deluge =flood; rush
delusion= false belief; hallucination; deluding
delusive =deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; raising vain hopes
delve= dig; search deeply; investigate
demagogue= person who appeals to people’s prejudice; false leader of people
demean =disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave
demeanor =behavior; bearing
demented =insane
demerit =fault; bad quality
demise= death
demographic= related to population balance
demography= statistical study of human population
demolition =destruction
demoniac = (demoniacal) fiendish; cruel
demotic= of or pertaining to the people
demur =object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an objection (showing qualms)
demure= (of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; coy
denigrate= blacken; defame
denizen = (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place
denomination= religious group; unit in a system; name or designation
Denominator =common trait or characteristic
denotation =meaning; distinguishing by name
Denote= indicate; refer to directly; mean
denouement =final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work
denounce =condemn; criticize
depict =portray
deplete =reduce; exhaust
deplore= regret; express sorrow
deplorable =very bad; deserving severe disapproval
deploy =spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow battle line
deport =send out of the country; behave
depose= dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; testify
deposition =testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning
depravity= extreme corruption; wickedness
deprecate =express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle
depreciate= lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value
depredation=plundering; destruction
deputize= work or appoint as a deputy
deputy= person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away
deranged= insane
derelict= negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner
dereliction= neglect of duty; abandonment
deride =ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of
derision =ridicule
derivation =deriving; origin or source of something
derivative =unoriginal; obtained from another source
dermatologist =one who studies the skin and its diseases
derogatory =expressing a low opinion; disparaging
derogate= detract; disparage
descry =catch sight of (something distant)
desecrate =profane; violate the sanctity of
deserts= what someone deserves
desiccate =dry up
desolate =make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert
desperado =reckless, desperate outlaw
desperate =having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope
despise= look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful
Despicable =contemptible
despoil= plunder; sack
despondent =without hope and courage
despondency= loss of hope with gloom
despot =tyrant; harsh
destitute =extremely poor
desultory =aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
detached= emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement
detain keep =waiting; prevent from leaving or going
determinate= having a fixed order of procedure
determination= resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision
deterrent= something that discourages or deters
detonation =explosion
detraction =slandering; aspersion; detracting
detrimental =harmful; damaging
deviate= turn away from (a principle, norm)
devious =roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course
devise =think up; invent; plan; bequeath
devoid =empty; lacking
devolve =deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property)
devotee =enthusiastic follower; enthusiast
devout =pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest
dexterous =skillful; skill in using hands or mind
diabolical =diabolic; devilish; fiendish
diadem =crown
dialectical =relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal
dialectic= art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments
diaphanous= sheer; transparent
diatribe =bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse
dichotomy= division into two opposite parts; split
dictum =authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court)
didactic= (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson
die =metal block used for shaping metal or plastic
diffidence =shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity
diffuse= wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas)
dignitary =person of high rank or position
digression= wandering away from the subject
dilapidated =falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect
dilate =expand; dilate on/upon
dilatory =delaying; tending to delay
dilemma =situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options
dilettante= aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously)
diligence =steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
dilute =make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength
diminution =lessening; reduction in size
din= continued loud noise
dinghy =small boat (often ship’s boat)
dingy = (of things and place) dirty and dull
dint= means
diorama= life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history
dire= warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent
dirge =funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)
disabuse= correct a false impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief
disaffected =disloyal; lacking loyalty
disaffect =cause to lose affection or loyalty
disapprobation= disapproval; condemnation
disarray =state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state
disavowal =denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning
disband =dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate
disbar =make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profession
disburse= pay out (as from a fund)
discernible =distinguishable; perceivable
discerning =mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive
disclaim =disown; renounce claim to; deny
disclose= reveal
discombobulated= discomposed; confused
discomfit =frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb
discompose =disturb the composure of; confuse
disconcert =confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb
disconsolate =hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
discord =conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)
discordant =not harmonious; conflicting
discount =disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost
discourse =serious speech, writing, or conversation
discredit= defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve
discreditable= causing discredit; shameful
discrepancy=lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference
discrete= separate; unconnected
discretion =prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances
discriminate =distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference
discriminating =able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced
discursive = (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)
disdain =treat with scorn or contempt
disembark =debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship
disenfranchise= disfranchise; deprive of a civil right
disengage =uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting
disfigure =mar the appearance of; spoil
disgorge= surrender something (stolen)
disgruntle= make discontented
dishearten= discourage
disheveled= untidy (of hair or clothing)
dishonor =disgrace
disinclination= unwillingness
disingenuous= not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise
disinter =dig up; unearth
disinterested= unprejudiced; free from bias and self-interest; objective
disjointed= disconnected; lacking coherence
disjunction =act or state of separation; disunity
disjunctive= expressing a choice between two ideas
dislodge =remove (forcibly); force out of a position
dismantle= take apart; disassemble
dismember =cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb
dismiss =eliminate from consideration; no longer consider
disparage= belittle
disparate= basically different; impossible to compare; unrelated
disparity= difference; condition of inequality
dispassionate= calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings
dispatch =speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed
dispel= scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
dispense =distribute; prepare and give out (medicines)
Dispensation =dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an obligation or a rule
disperse= scatter
dispirited= lacking in spirit
disport =amuse
disproportion =lack of proportion (between the parts)
disputatious =argumentative; fond of argument
disquietude= uneasiness; anxiety
disquiet= make anxious
disquisition= formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry
dissection =analysis; cutting apart in order to examine
dissemble =disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend
disseminate= distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)
dissension =disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group
dissent= disagree
dissertation =formal essay; treatise
dissident =dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a government); rebellious
dissimulate =pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble
dissipate =squander; waste foolishly; scatter
dissolution =disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals
dissolute= lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life
dissonance= discord
dissuade =persuade not to do; discourage
distant= reserved or aloof; cold in manner
distend =expand; swell out
distill =refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation)
distinct =clearly different; clearly noticed
distinction= honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination
distinctive= clearly different from others of the same kind
distort= twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent
distract =take (one’s attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious
distrait =absentminded; distracted
distraught= upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness
diurnal= daily; occurring during the daytime
diva =operatic singer; prima Donna
diverge= vary; go in different directions from the same point
Divergent= differing; deviating
diverse= differing in some characteristics (from each other); various
Diversity= variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance
diversion =act of turning aside; pastime
divert= turn aside from a course; distract; amuse
divest= strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess
divine =perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee the future; foretell; dowse
divulge =reveal
docile= obedient; easily managed; submissive
docket =program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda
doctrinaire =unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding
doctrine= teachings in general; particular principle (religious, legal, etc.)
document =provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents
doddering =shaky; infirm from old age
doff =take off
dogged =determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious
doggerel =poor verse
dogmatic= opinionated; holding stubbornly to one’s opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal
doldrums =blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy); period of stagnation
dolorous =sorrowful
dolt =slow-thinking stupid person
domicile =home
domiciled= having one’s domicile
Dominant= exercising the most influence
dominate= control; rule; enjoy a commanding position
domineer =rule over tyrannically
don =put on
dainty= delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious
dais= raised platform for speakers or other important people
dally =trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness
damn= condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlasting punishment
dank =damp; unpleasantly wet
dapper =neat and trim (in appearance)
dappled= spotted
dart =move or throw suddenly and quickly
daub =smear (as with paint); cover with something sticky
daunt= intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten
dauntless =bold; fearless
dawdle =loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing
daze =stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb
dazzle =make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder
deadlock =standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate
deadpan= wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expressionless face
dearth =scarcity
debacle= sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster
debar= bar; forbid; exclude
debase= degrade; reduce in quality or value
Degenerate= lower in esteem; disgrace
debauch =corrupt morally; seduce from virtue
debauchery= wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)
debilitate =weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble
debonair = (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please
debris =rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed
debunk =expose as false, exaggerated, worthless; ridicule
debut = first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society
debutante= young woman making formal entrance into society
decadence= decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civilization, or art)
decant=pour off gently (wine or liquid)
decapitate= behead
decelerate =slow down
deciduous= falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves
decimate= kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man); destroy or kill a large part of
decipher=decode
declivity =downward slope
décolleté = (of a dress) having a low-cut neckline
Décolletage= low neckline (on a dress)
decomposition =decay
decompose= decay; break and separate into simple parts
decorous= proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)
decorum =propriety; orderliness and good taste in manner
decoy= lure or bait
decree =authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law
decrepit =weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use
decrepitude= state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age
decry= express strong disapproval of
deducible =derived by reasoning
deduce =infer; derive by reasoning
deface =mar; disfigure
defalcate= embezzle
defame= harm someone’s reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander
default= failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present
defeatist= resigned to defeat or failure
defect =shortcoming
defection =desertion
defer =give in respectfully; submit; delay till later
deference= courteous regard for another’s wish
defiance= refusal to yield; resistance
defile= pollute; make filthy or dirty
definitive =most reliable; authorative and complete; that cannot be improved; conclusive
deflect= turn aside; turn away from a straight course
defoliate =destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the use of chemicals)
defray =provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay
defrock= strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock
deft neat =skillful
defunct =dead; no longer in use or existence
degenerate =become worse in quality; deteriorate
degradation =humiliation; debasement; degeneration
degrade =debase; disgrace; degenerate
dehydrate =remove water from; dry out
deify =turn into a god; make a god of; idolize
deign= condescend; stoop
delete= erase; strike out
deleterious= harmful
deliberate =consider; ponder
delineate =portray; depict; sketch; describe
delirium= mental disorder marked by confusion
delta =flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river
delude =deceive
deluge =flood; rush
delusion= false belief; hallucination; deluding
delusive =deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; raising vain hopes
delve= dig; search deeply; investigate
demagogue= person who appeals to people’s prejudice; false leader of people
demean =disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave
demeanor =behavior; bearing
demented =insane
demerit =fault; bad quality
demise= death
demographic= related to population balance
demography= statistical study of human population
demolition =destruction
demoniac = (demoniacal) fiendish; cruel
demotic= of or pertaining to the people
demur =object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an objection (showing qualms)
demure= (of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; coy
denigrate= blacken; defame
denizen = (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place
denomination= religious group; unit in a system; name or designation
Denominator =common trait or characteristic
denotation =meaning; distinguishing by name
Denote= indicate; refer to directly; mean
denouement =final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work
denounce =condemn; criticize
depict =portray
deplete =reduce; exhaust
deplore= regret; express sorrow
deplorable =very bad; deserving severe disapproval
deploy =spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow battle line
deport =send out of the country; behave
depose= dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; testify
deposition =testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning
depravity= extreme corruption; wickedness
deprecate =express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle
depreciate= lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value
depredation=plundering; destruction
deputize= work or appoint as a deputy
deputy= person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away
deranged= insane
derelict= negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner
dereliction= neglect of duty; abandonment
deride =ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of
derision =ridicule
derivation =deriving; origin or source of something
derivative =unoriginal; obtained from another source
dermatologist =one who studies the skin and its diseases
derogatory =expressing a low opinion; disparaging
derogate= detract; disparage
descry =catch sight of (something distant)
desecrate =profane; violate the sanctity of
deserts= what someone deserves
desiccate =dry up
desolate =make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert
desperado =reckless, desperate outlaw
desperate =having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope
despise= look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful
Despicable =contemptible
despoil= plunder; sack
despondent =without hope and courage
despondency= loss of hope with gloom
despot =tyrant; harsh
destitute =extremely poor
desultory =aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
detached= emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement
detain keep =waiting; prevent from leaving or going
determinate= having a fixed order of procedure
determination= resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision
deterrent= something that discourages or deters
detonation =explosion
detraction =slandering; aspersion; detracting
detrimental =harmful; damaging
deviate= turn away from (a principle, norm)
devious =roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course
devise =think up; invent; plan; bequeath
devoid =empty; lacking
devolve =deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property)
devotee =enthusiastic follower; enthusiast
devout =pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest
dexterous =skillful; skill in using hands or mind
diabolical =diabolic; devilish; fiendish
diadem =crown
dialectical =relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal
dialectic= art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments
diaphanous= sheer; transparent
diatribe =bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse
dichotomy= division into two opposite parts; split
dictum =authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court)
didactic= (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson
die =metal block used for shaping metal or plastic
diffidence =shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity
diffuse= wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas)
dignitary =person of high rank or position
digression= wandering away from the subject
dilapidated =falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect
dilate =expand; dilate on/upon
dilatory =delaying; tending to delay
dilemma =situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options
dilettante= aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously)
diligence =steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
dilute =make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength
diminution =lessening; reduction in size
din= continued loud noise
dinghy =small boat (often ship’s boat)
dingy = (of things and place) dirty and dull
dint= means
diorama= life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history
dire= warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent
dirge =funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)
disabuse= correct a false impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief
disaffected =disloyal; lacking loyalty
disaffect =cause to lose affection or loyalty
disapprobation= disapproval; condemnation
disarray =state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state
disavowal =denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning
disband =dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate
disbar =make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profession
disburse= pay out (as from a fund)
discernible =distinguishable; perceivable
discerning =mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive
disclaim =disown; renounce claim to; deny
disclose= reveal
discombobulated= discomposed; confused
discomfit =frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb
discompose =disturb the composure of; confuse
disconcert =confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb
disconsolate =hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
discord =conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)
discordant =not harmonious; conflicting
discount =disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost
discourse =serious speech, writing, or conversation
discredit= defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve
discreditable= causing discredit; shameful
discrepancy=lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference
discrete= separate; unconnected
discretion =prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances
discriminate =distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference
discriminating =able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced
discursive = (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)
disdain =treat with scorn or contempt
disembark =debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship
disenfranchise= disfranchise; deprive of a civil right
disengage =uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting
disfigure =mar the appearance of; spoil
disgorge= surrender something (stolen)
disgruntle= make discontented
dishearten= discourage
disheveled= untidy (of hair or clothing)
dishonor =disgrace
disinclination= unwillingness
disingenuous= not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise
disinter =dig up; unearth
disinterested= unprejudiced; free from bias and self-interest; objective
disjointed= disconnected; lacking coherence
disjunction =act or state of separation; disunity
disjunctive= expressing a choice between two ideas
dislodge =remove (forcibly); force out of a position
dismantle= take apart; disassemble
dismember =cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb
dismiss =eliminate from consideration; no longer consider
disparage= belittle
disparate= basically different; impossible to compare; unrelated
disparity= difference; condition of inequality
dispassionate= calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings
dispatch =speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed
dispel= scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
dispense =distribute; prepare and give out (medicines)
Dispensation =dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an obligation or a rule
disperse= scatter
dispirited= lacking in spirit
disport =amuse
disproportion =lack of proportion (between the parts)
disputatious =argumentative; fond of argument
disquietude= uneasiness; anxiety
disquiet= make anxious
disquisition= formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry
dissection =analysis; cutting apart in order to examine
dissemble =disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend
disseminate= distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)
dissension =disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group
dissent= disagree
dissertation =formal essay; treatise
dissident =dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a government); rebellious
dissimulate =pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble
dissipate =squander; waste foolishly; scatter
dissolution =disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals
dissolute= lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life
dissonance= discord
dissuade =persuade not to do; discourage
distant= reserved or aloof; cold in manner
distend =expand; swell out
distill =refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation)
distinct =clearly different; clearly noticed
distinction= honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination
distinctive= clearly different from others of the same kind
distort= twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent
distract =take (one’s attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious
distrait =absentminded; distracted
distraught= upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness
diurnal= daily; occurring during the daytime
diva =operatic singer; prima Donna
diverge= vary; go in different directions from the same point
Divergent= differing; deviating
diverse= differing in some characteristics (from each other); various
Diversity= variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance
diversion =act of turning aside; pastime
divert= turn aside from a course; distract; amuse
divest= strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess
divine =perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee the future; foretell; dowse
divulge =reveal
docile= obedient; easily managed; submissive
docket =program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda
doctrinaire =unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding
doctrine= teachings in general; particular principle (religious, legal, etc.)
document =provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents
doddering =shaky; infirm from old age
doff =take off
dogged =determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious
doggerel =poor verse
dogmatic= opinionated; holding stubbornly to one’s opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal
doldrums =blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy); period of stagnation
dolorous =sorrowful
dolt =slow-thinking stupid person
domicile =home
domiciled= having one’s domicile
Dominant= exercising the most influence
dominate= control; rule; enjoy a commanding position
domineer =rule over tyrannically
don =put on
doom =condemnation to a severe penalty; ruin
dormant= sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent
dormer= window projecting upright from roof
dorsal =relating to the back of an animal
dossier= file of documents on a subject or person; file
dotage =senility; feeblemindedness of old age
dote= be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline
dour= sullen; gloomy; stubborn
douse =plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse
drench =wet thoroughly; extinguish; throw water over; dowse
dowdy =untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly
downcast= disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward
dowry =money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage
dowse =use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals
doze =sleep lightly; nap
drab =dull; lacking color; cheerless
draconian= extremely severe
draft= first rough form; conscription; draught
drama =prose or verse composition to be performed by actors; play
drastic =strong; violent and severe
draught =current of air (through a room or to a fire)
draw= choosing of a lot or card
dregs =sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue
dribble =flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly from the mouth
drip =fall or let fall in drops; shed drops
drivel= nonsense; foolishness
droll =queer and amusing
drone= talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee
droop= bend or hang downward; become weakened
dross =waste matter; worthless impurities
drudge= do drudgery
drudgery= hard unpleasant work; menial work
dubious =questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt
ductile =malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible
dulcet =sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious
dull = (of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring
dumbfound= (dumfound) astonish (making dumb)
dummy =imitation of a real object used as a substitute; effigy
dupe =someone easily fooled or deceived
duplicity=double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and deceitful
duration =length of time something lasts
duress =forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat
dutiful(duteous) =obedient (filled with a sense of duty)
dwindle =shrink; reduce gradually
dynamic =energetic; vigorously active
dynamo =generator for producing electricity; energetic person
dysentery= inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract
dyslexia =word blindness; learning disorder
dyspeptic= suffering from indigestion;
Dyspepsia= indigestion; difficulty in digesting food
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dormant= sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent
dormer= window projecting upright from roof
dorsal =relating to the back of an animal
dossier= file of documents on a subject or person; file
dotage =senility; feeblemindedness of old age
dote= be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline
dour= sullen; gloomy; stubborn
douse =plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse
drench =wet thoroughly; extinguish; throw water over; dowse
dowdy =untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly
downcast= disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward
dowry =money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage
dowse =use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals
doze =sleep lightly; nap
drab =dull; lacking color; cheerless
draconian= extremely severe
draft= first rough form; conscription; draught
drama =prose or verse composition to be performed by actors; play
drastic =strong; violent and severe
draught =current of air (through a room or to a fire)
draw= choosing of a lot or card
dregs =sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue
dribble =flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly from the mouth
drip =fall or let fall in drops; shed drops
drivel= nonsense; foolishness
droll =queer and amusing
drone= talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee
droop= bend or hang downward; become weakened
dross =waste matter; worthless impurities
drudge= do drudgery
drudgery= hard unpleasant work; menial work
dubious =questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt
ductile =malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible
dulcet =sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious
dull = (of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring
dumbfound= (dumfound) astonish (making dumb)
dummy =imitation of a real object used as a substitute; effigy
dupe =someone easily fooled or deceived
duplicity=double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and deceitful
duration =length of time something lasts
duress =forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat
dutiful(duteous) =obedient (filled with a sense of duty)
dwindle =shrink; reduce gradually
dynamic =energetic; vigorously active
dynamo =generator for producing electricity; energetic person
dysentery= inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract
dyslexia =word blindness; learning disorder
dyspeptic= suffering from indigestion;
Dyspepsia= indigestion; difficulty in digesting food
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earmark= set aside (money or time) for a particular purpose
earn gain= for the performance of service or labor; gain (something that one deserves); deserve
earthly =of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible
earthy =unrefined; coarse; of earth
ebb= (of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish
ebullient =showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling
eccentric= irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric
eccentricity= oddity; idiosyncrasy
ecclesiastic= ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church
eclectic =selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources
eclipse =darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse
ecliptic =path of the sun and the planets
ecologist =person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment
economy =efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources
ecosystem =ecological community together with its environment
ecstasy= rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion
ecstatic= causing or experiencing ecstasy
eddy =swirling current of water, air
edict =decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command
edifice= building (of imposing size)
edify= instruct; correct morally
eerie =weird; causing fear because strange
efface= rub out; remove the surface of
effective= effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect
effectual =able to produce a desired effect; valid
effectuate =effect; produce; achieve
effeminate =having womanly traits
effervescence= inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits
effete= having lost one’s original power; barren; worn out; exhausted
efficacy= power to produce desired effect
efficacious= effectual
effigy =dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone
effluvium= noxious (harmful) smell
effrontery =rudeness without any sense of shame
effulgent =shining brightly; brilliant
effusion =pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling
Effuse= pour out
effusive= pouring forth; gushing
ego =one’s opinion of oneself; self-esteem
egoism =excessive interest in one’s self; selfishness
egotism =tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance
egotistical= egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited
egress= exit; opening for going out; act of going out
egregious= notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking
ejaculation =exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm)
elaborate= work out carefully; add more detail or information
elaboration =addition of details; intricacy
elastic= able to spring back into shape
elated= filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed
elegy =poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead)
elevation =elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright side of a building
elicit =draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)
elixir =cure-all; panacea; something invigorating
ellipsis =omission of words from a text
elliptical= elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis
elope= run away secretly with the intention of getting married
eloquence =expressiveness; persuasive speech
Eloquent= movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influenced
elucidate =explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten
elusive= evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand
elude= escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of
elysian =relating to paradise; blissful
Elysium =place or condition of bliss
emaciated =thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)
emanate= issue forth; come out
emancipate= set free; liberate
emasculate= weaken; castrate
embargo= ban on commerce or other activity
embark =commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey
embed= enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass
embellish =adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details)
embezzlement= taking for one’s own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one’s care)
embitter= make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry
embody =give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
emboss =produce a design in raised relief; decorate with a raised design
embrace= hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse
embroider= decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish
embroil= throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute
embryonic= undeveloped; rudimentary
Embryo= organism in the early stage of development
emend =correct (usually a text)
emendation= correction of errors; improvement
emetic =substance causing vomiting
eminent=rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished
emissary= agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger
emollient =soothing or softening remedy (for the skin)
emolument =salary; payment for an office; compensation
empathy= ability to identify with another’s feelings, ideas
empirical= based on experience
emulate =imitate; rival; try to equal or excel
enact =make (a bill) into law
enamored= in love
Enamor= inspire with love
encipher= encode; convert a message into code
encircle =surround
enclave= territory enclosed within an alien land
encomiastic= praising; eulogistic
Encomium=:very high praise; eulogy
encompass= surround; include
Encroachment =gradual intrusion
Encroach= take another’s possessions or right gradually or stealthily
encumber= burden
endear= make beloved
Dear= loved; cherished; high-priced
endearment= fond word or act; expression of affection
endemic =prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area
endorse =approve; support; write one’s signature on the back of
endue =provide with some quality; endow
enduring =lasting; surviving
Endure= bear (pain or suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of difficulties)
energize= invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and active
enervate= weaken; take away energy from
enfranchise= admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote)
engage= attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; fight; enter into confliction
engagement =agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to do something
engaged =employed; busy; betrothed
engaging= charming; attractive
engender =cause; produce; give rise to
engross =occupy fully; absorb
engulf =surround and swallow up
enhance= increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve
enigma =puzzle; mystery
enigmatic =obscure; puzzling
enjoin =command; order; forbid
enlist = (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)
enliven= make lively or spirited; animate
enmity= ill will; hatred; hostility
ennui= boredom; dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest
enormity= hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness
enrapture =please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
ensconce =settle comfortably
ensue= follow (as a result)
entail =make necessary; require; necessitate; involve
enterprise =willingness to take new ventures; initiative; business organization
enterprising= full of initiative; showing enterprise
enthrall =capture; enslave; captivate
entice= lure; persuade to do (something wrong)
entity =real being
entomology =study of insects
entourage =group of attendants; retinue
entrance =put under a spell(condition caused by magical power)
entreat= plead; ask earnestly
entree =entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal
entrepreneur= businessperson (who assumes the risk of a business venture); contractor
enumerate= list; mention one by one
enunciate= announce; proclaim; utter or speak, pronounce clearly
Environ= enclose; surround
environs= surrounding area (as of a city)
eon= (aeon) long period of time; an age; longest division of geologic time containing two or more eras
epaulet= (epaulette) ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.)
ephemeral= short-lived; fleeting
epic= long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero)
epicure= connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet
epicurean =believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided
epigram =witty thought or saying, usually short
epilogue =short speech at conclusion of dramatic work
episodic= (of a story or play) loosely connected; made up of separate and loosely connected parts
epistemologist =philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge
epitaph= inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)
epithet =word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing
epitome= perfect example or embodiment; brief summary
epitomize= make an epitome of
epoch =period of time
equable =tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform
equanimity =calmness of temperament; composure
equestrian =rider on horseback
equilibrium =balance of opposing forces
equine= resembling a horse
equinox= period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn
equipoise =balance; balancing force; equilibrium
equitable= fair; impartial
equity =fairness; justice
equivocal= (of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading
equivocate =use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead
erode =eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion
erotic =pertaining to passionate love or sexual love
errant =wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standard
erratic =odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable
erroneous= mistaken; wrong; incorrect
erudite = (of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly
escapade =prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure that disobeys rules
eschew =avoid habitually
esoteric= hard to understand; known only to the chosen few
espionage= spying
espouse =adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry
esteem =respect; value; judge
estimable= (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving esteem; possible to estimate
estranged =separated; alienated
Estrange =alienate (people in a family)
ethereal= like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly
ether= upper air
ethnic= relating to races
ethnology= study of humankind; study of the different races of human beings
ethos =underlying character of a culture, group
etymology =study of word parts; study of the origins of words
eugenic =pertaining to the improvement of race
eugenics= study of hereditary improvement of the human race
eulogistic= praising; full of eulogy
eulogy =expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone’s death
euphemism =mild expression in place of an unpleasant one
euphony =sweet sound
euphoria= feeling of exaggerated or well-being; feeling of great happiness
euthanasia= mercy killing
evanescent= fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing
evasive =not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading
evade= avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit
evenhanded= impartial; fair
eventual= happening at last as a result
evince= show clearly
evocative= tending to call up (emotions, memories)
evoke =call forth (memory or feeling)
ewe= female sheep
exacerbate= worsen; aggravate; embitter
exact =demand and obtain by force
exacting= extremely demanding
exalt =raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire
exasperate =vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)
except =exclude
exceptional= unusual; of unusually high quality
exceptionable =objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive
excerpt =selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work
exchequer= treasury
excise =cut away; cut out
exclaim =cry out suddenly
excoriate= scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strip the skin off
exculpate =clear from blame or guilt
execrable =very bad; detestable
execrate =curse; express abhorrence for; detest
execute =put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment
executioner= person administering capital punishment
executive =person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing laws
executor =person designated to execute the terms of a will
exegesis =explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages
exemplary= serving as a model; outstanding
exemplar= typical example; model
exemplify= show by example; furnish an example
Exempt =not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty
exertion= effort; expenditure of much physical work
exhale= breathe out
exhilarating= invigorating and refreshing
exhilarate= make cheerful and excited
exhort =urge (by strong argument or advice)
exhume= dig out of the ground; remove from a grave
exigency =urgent situation
exiguous =small in amount; minute
existential =pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism
exodus =departure (of a large number of people)
exonerate= acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
exorbitant = (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds
exorcise= drive out evil spirits
exotic= not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual
expansive = (of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive
expatiate= talk at length; speak or write in detail
expatriate= exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land
exile= banish; leave one’s country
expedient =suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical
expedite= hasten; make go faster
expeditious =done with speed; quick
expenditure =payment or expense; expending; something expended; output
expertise =specialized knowledge (in a particular field)
expiate =make amends for (a sin)
expletive= meaningless word; interjection; profane oath; swear-word
explicate =explain in detail; interpret; clarify
explicit= totally clear; definite; outspoken
exploit =make use of, sometimes unjustly
expose =public revelation of something discreditable
expository= explanatory; serving to explain
exposition= explaining; exhibition
expostulation= protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade
exposure= risk, particularly of being exposed to disease
expound =explain
expropriate= take possession of (often for public use and without payment)
expunge= cancel; remove a word or name (from a book or list); erase
expurgate= clean; remove offensive parts of a book
exquisite= delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful
extant = (of something written or painted) still in existence
extemporaneous =not planned; impromptu; extempore
extenuate =weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior)
extirpate =root up; uproot; destroy completely
extol= praise very highly; glorify
extort= wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats
extradition =surrender of prisoner by one state to another
extraneous= not essential; irrelevant; superfluous
External =coming from the outside
extrapolation= projection; conjecture
Extrapolate= infer (unknown information) from known information
extricate =free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle
extrinsic= external; not essential or inherent; extraneous
extrovert= person interested mostly in external objects and actions
extrude= force or push out; thrust out
exuberance =overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm
Exuberant= high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly
exude= flow out slowly; discharge (gradually)
exult =rejoice
earn gain= for the performance of service or labor; gain (something that one deserves); deserve
earthly =of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible
earthy =unrefined; coarse; of earth
ebb= (of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish
ebullient =showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling
eccentric= irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric
eccentricity= oddity; idiosyncrasy
ecclesiastic= ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church
eclectic =selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources
eclipse =darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse
ecliptic =path of the sun and the planets
ecologist =person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment
economy =efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources
ecosystem =ecological community together with its environment
ecstasy= rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion
ecstatic= causing or experiencing ecstasy
eddy =swirling current of water, air
edict =decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command
edifice= building (of imposing size)
edify= instruct; correct morally
eerie =weird; causing fear because strange
efface= rub out; remove the surface of
effective= effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect
effectual =able to produce a desired effect; valid
effectuate =effect; produce; achieve
effeminate =having womanly traits
effervescence= inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits
effete= having lost one’s original power; barren; worn out; exhausted
efficacy= power to produce desired effect
efficacious= effectual
effigy =dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone
effluvium= noxious (harmful) smell
effrontery =rudeness without any sense of shame
effulgent =shining brightly; brilliant
effusion =pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling
Effuse= pour out
effusive= pouring forth; gushing
ego =one’s opinion of oneself; self-esteem
egoism =excessive interest in one’s self; selfishness
egotism =tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance
egotistical= egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited
egress= exit; opening for going out; act of going out
egregious= notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking
ejaculation =exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm)
elaborate= work out carefully; add more detail or information
elaboration =addition of details; intricacy
elastic= able to spring back into shape
elated= filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed
elegy =poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead)
elevation =elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright side of a building
elicit =draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)
elixir =cure-all; panacea; something invigorating
ellipsis =omission of words from a text
elliptical= elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis
elope= run away secretly with the intention of getting married
eloquence =expressiveness; persuasive speech
Eloquent= movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influenced
elucidate =explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten
elusive= evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand
elude= escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of
elysian =relating to paradise; blissful
Elysium =place or condition of bliss
emaciated =thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)
emanate= issue forth; come out
emancipate= set free; liberate
emasculate= weaken; castrate
embargo= ban on commerce or other activity
embark =commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey
embed= enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass
embellish =adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details)
embezzlement= taking for one’s own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one’s care)
embitter= make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry
embody =give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
emboss =produce a design in raised relief; decorate with a raised design
embrace= hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse
embroider= decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish
embroil= throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute
embryonic= undeveloped; rudimentary
Embryo= organism in the early stage of development
emend =correct (usually a text)
emendation= correction of errors; improvement
emetic =substance causing vomiting
eminent=rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished
emissary= agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger
emollient =soothing or softening remedy (for the skin)
emolument =salary; payment for an office; compensation
empathy= ability to identify with another’s feelings, ideas
empirical= based on experience
emulate =imitate; rival; try to equal or excel
enact =make (a bill) into law
enamored= in love
Enamor= inspire with love
encipher= encode; convert a message into code
encircle =surround
enclave= territory enclosed within an alien land
encomiastic= praising; eulogistic
Encomium=:very high praise; eulogy
encompass= surround; include
Encroachment =gradual intrusion
Encroach= take another’s possessions or right gradually or stealthily
encumber= burden
endear= make beloved
Dear= loved; cherished; high-priced
endearment= fond word or act; expression of affection
endemic =prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area
endorse =approve; support; write one’s signature on the back of
endue =provide with some quality; endow
enduring =lasting; surviving
Endure= bear (pain or suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of difficulties)
energize= invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and active
enervate= weaken; take away energy from
enfranchise= admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote)
engage= attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; fight; enter into confliction
engagement =agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to do something
engaged =employed; busy; betrothed
engaging= charming; attractive
engender =cause; produce; give rise to
engross =occupy fully; absorb
engulf =surround and swallow up
enhance= increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve
enigma =puzzle; mystery
enigmatic =obscure; puzzling
enjoin =command; order; forbid
enlist = (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)
enliven= make lively or spirited; animate
enmity= ill will; hatred; hostility
ennui= boredom; dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest
enormity= hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness
enrapture =please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
ensconce =settle comfortably
ensue= follow (as a result)
entail =make necessary; require; necessitate; involve
enterprise =willingness to take new ventures; initiative; business organization
enterprising= full of initiative; showing enterprise
enthrall =capture; enslave; captivate
entice= lure; persuade to do (something wrong)
entity =real being
entomology =study of insects
entourage =group of attendants; retinue
entrance =put under a spell(condition caused by magical power)
entreat= plead; ask earnestly
entree =entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal
entrepreneur= businessperson (who assumes the risk of a business venture); contractor
enumerate= list; mention one by one
enunciate= announce; proclaim; utter or speak, pronounce clearly
Environ= enclose; surround
environs= surrounding area (as of a city)
eon= (aeon) long period of time; an age; longest division of geologic time containing two or more eras
epaulet= (epaulette) ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.)
ephemeral= short-lived; fleeting
epic= long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero)
epicure= connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet
epicurean =believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided
epigram =witty thought or saying, usually short
epilogue =short speech at conclusion of dramatic work
episodic= (of a story or play) loosely connected; made up of separate and loosely connected parts
epistemologist =philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge
epitaph= inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)
epithet =word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing
epitome= perfect example or embodiment; brief summary
epitomize= make an epitome of
epoch =period of time
equable =tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform
equanimity =calmness of temperament; composure
equestrian =rider on horseback
equilibrium =balance of opposing forces
equine= resembling a horse
equinox= period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn
equipoise =balance; balancing force; equilibrium
equitable= fair; impartial
equity =fairness; justice
equivocal= (of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading
equivocate =use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead
erode =eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion
erotic =pertaining to passionate love or sexual love
errant =wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standard
erratic =odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable
erroneous= mistaken; wrong; incorrect
erudite = (of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly
escapade =prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure that disobeys rules
eschew =avoid habitually
esoteric= hard to understand; known only to the chosen few
espionage= spying
espouse =adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry
esteem =respect; value; judge
estimable= (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving esteem; possible to estimate
estranged =separated; alienated
Estrange =alienate (people in a family)
ethereal= like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly
ether= upper air
ethnic= relating to races
ethnology= study of humankind; study of the different races of human beings
ethos =underlying character of a culture, group
etymology =study of word parts; study of the origins of words
eugenic =pertaining to the improvement of race
eugenics= study of hereditary improvement of the human race
eulogistic= praising; full of eulogy
eulogy =expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone’s death
euphemism =mild expression in place of an unpleasant one
euphony =sweet sound
euphoria= feeling of exaggerated or well-being; feeling of great happiness
euthanasia= mercy killing
evanescent= fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing
evasive =not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading
evade= avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit
evenhanded= impartial; fair
eventual= happening at last as a result
evince= show clearly
evocative= tending to call up (emotions, memories)
evoke =call forth (memory or feeling)
ewe= female sheep
exacerbate= worsen; aggravate; embitter
exact =demand and obtain by force
exacting= extremely demanding
exalt =raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire
exasperate =vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)
except =exclude
exceptional= unusual; of unusually high quality
exceptionable =objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive
excerpt =selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work
exchequer= treasury
excise =cut away; cut out
exclaim =cry out suddenly
excoriate= scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strip the skin off
exculpate =clear from blame or guilt
execrable =very bad; detestable
execrate =curse; express abhorrence for; detest
execute =put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment
executioner= person administering capital punishment
executive =person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing laws
executor =person designated to execute the terms of a will
exegesis =explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages
exemplary= serving as a model; outstanding
exemplar= typical example; model
exemplify= show by example; furnish an example
Exempt =not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty
exertion= effort; expenditure of much physical work
exhale= breathe out
exhilarating= invigorating and refreshing
exhilarate= make cheerful and excited
exhort =urge (by strong argument or advice)
exhume= dig out of the ground; remove from a grave
exigency =urgent situation
exiguous =small in amount; minute
existential =pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism
exodus =departure (of a large number of people)
exonerate= acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
exorbitant = (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds
exorcise= drive out evil spirits
exotic= not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual
expansive = (of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive
expatiate= talk at length; speak or write in detail
expatriate= exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land
exile= banish; leave one’s country
expedient =suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical
expedite= hasten; make go faster
expeditious =done with speed; quick
expenditure =payment or expense; expending; something expended; output
expertise =specialized knowledge (in a particular field)
expiate =make amends for (a sin)
expletive= meaningless word; interjection; profane oath; swear-word
explicate =explain in detail; interpret; clarify
explicit= totally clear; definite; outspoken
exploit =make use of, sometimes unjustly
expose =public revelation of something discreditable
expository= explanatory; serving to explain
exposition= explaining; exhibition
expostulation= protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade
exposure= risk, particularly of being exposed to disease
expound =explain
expropriate= take possession of (often for public use and without payment)
expunge= cancel; remove a word or name (from a book or list); erase
expurgate= clean; remove offensive parts of a book
exquisite= delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful
extant = (of something written or painted) still in existence
extemporaneous =not planned; impromptu; extempore
extenuate =weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior)
extirpate =root up; uproot; destroy completely
extol= praise very highly; glorify
extort= wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats
extradition =surrender of prisoner by one state to another
extraneous= not essential; irrelevant; superfluous
External =coming from the outside
extrapolation= projection; conjecture
Extrapolate= infer (unknown information) from known information
extricate =free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle
extrinsic= external; not essential or inherent; extraneous
extrovert= person interested mostly in external objects and actions
extrude= force or push out; thrust out
exuberance =overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm
Exuberant= high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly
exude= flow out slowly; discharge (gradually)
exult =rejoice
F
Fabricate =build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive
facade= front or face (of building); superficial or false appearance
facet =small plane surface (of a gem (precious stone)); a side
facetious= joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous
facile= easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep
facility= ability to do something easily and well
facilitate =help bring about; make less difficult
facsimile =copy
faction =party; clique (within a large group); dissension
factious= inclined to form factions; causing dissension
factitious= artificial; produced artificially; sham; false
factotum =handyman; person who does all kinds of work
faculty= mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
fake= not genuine
fallacious= false; based on a fallacy; misleading
fallacy= false idea or notion; false reasoning
fallible =liable to err
fallow = (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated
falsify =make (something written) false by changing
falter= hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness
fanaticism= excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause
fancied =imagined; unreal
fancier= breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising specific plant or animal
fanciful= whimsical; visionary; imaginary
fancy= imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature)
fanfare =call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spectacular public display
farce =broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly things happening
far-fetched= too improbable to be believed; implausible
fashion =give shape to; make
fastidious =difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
fatalism =belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one’s control
Fatal= causing death
fathom= comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of
fathomless= too deep to be measured or understood; unfathomable
fatuous= smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly
fauna= animals of a period or region
favoritism= display of partiality toward a favored person
fawning= courting favor by cringing and flattering
Fawn= exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness
faze= disconcert; dismay; embarrass
feasible= practical; able to be carried out; practicable
feature= distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth)
Features= overall appearance of the face
febrile= feverish
fecundity= fertility; fruitfulness
fecund= very productive of crops or young
feebleminded= deficient in intelligence; very stupid
feign= pretend
feint= trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action
felicitous= (of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen
felicity =happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.)
Feline= of a member of the cat family
fell =cut or knock down (a tree or a person)
felon =person convicted of a grave crime
felony= serious crime
feral = (of an animal) not domestic; wild
ferment =agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activity)
fermentation= chemical reaction that splits complex organic compounds; agitation
ferocious= fierce; violent
ferret =drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets
fertile= producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops
fervent= ardent; zealous; hot
fervid= ardent; zealous; hot
fervor= glowing ardor; intensity of feeling
fester =rankle; produce irritation or resentment
festive= joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival
fete= honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with a feast
fetid= malodorous; foul
fetish =object believed to have spiritual powers
fetter =shackle; restrict the freedom of
feud= bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families)
fiasco =total failure
fiat =command; arbitrary order
fickle =changeable (in affections or friendship)
fictitious= imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive
fidelity =loyalty; accuracy
fiend =evil spirit; devil
figment= invention; something invented; imaginary thing
figurative= not literal but metaphorical; using a figure(impression) of speech
figure =written symbols; number; amount represented in numbers
figurine= small ornamental statuette(very small statue)
filch =steal (things of small value)
filial =pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter
filibuster= block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches
filigree =delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
filing= particle removed by a file
filth =dirty matter
finale= conclusion; concluding part
finery =beautiful clothes for a special occasion
finesse= delicate skill
finicky =too particular; fussy; difficult to please
finish =surface texture; completeness of execution
finished= properly made and complete
finite= limited
firebrand= piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker
fissure =crevice; crack
fit =sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy
fitful =spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
flaccid= flabby; lacking firmness; weak
flag =droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength
flagrant= conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant
flail= beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly
flair =talent
flamboyant= ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored
flashy= showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
flaunt= display ostentatiously
Flay= strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly
fleck =spot; mark with flecks
fledgling = (fledglings) inexperienced
fleece =wool coat of a sheep
fleet =fast; rapid
fleeting = passing quickly; ephemeral
flick =light stroke as with a whip
flicker =burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly
flighty = (esp. of a woman’s behavior) capricious; often changing
flinch =hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant)
flip =send (something) spinning, often into the air
flippant =lacking proper seriousness
flirt =behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention
flit= fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly
floe =flat mass of floating ice
flora =plants of a region or era
florescence= condition or period of flowering
florid= ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate
flotsam =drifting wreckage
flounder =struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily
flourish= grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures
flout= reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn
flowery =full of flowers; full of ornate expressions
fluctuate= waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves
fluency= smoothness of speech
fluke= unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck
flush =redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly
fluster= confuse; make nervous and confused
fluted =having vertical parallel grooves
Flute= make long parallel inward curves in
flute= long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column
flutter = (of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly
flux =flowing; series of changes; fluctuation
fodder =coarse food for cattle, horses, etc
foible =small weakness of character; slight fault
foil =defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful
foist= insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion
foliage= masses of leaves
foment =stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)
foolhardy= rash; reckless; foolishly daring
foppish =vain about dress and appearance
Fop= man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance
foray =raid; sudden raid or military advance
forbearance= patience; forgiveness
Forbear= refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient
ford =place where a river can be crossed on foot
forebears = (forbears) ancestors
foreboding =premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil
forebode=be a warning of (something unpleasant)
forensic= suitable to debate or courts of law
forerunner= predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another
foreshadow= give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure
foresight =ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future
forestall =prevent by taking action in advance
forfeit =something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract
forge= counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently
forgo= (forego) give up; do without
forlorn= sad and lonely; wretched; desolate
formality =ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules
formidable= menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat
forsake= desert; abandon; renounce
forswear= renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up
forte =strong point or special talent in a person’s character
forthcoming= happening in the near future; ready; willing to help
forthright =straightforward; direct; frank
fortitude =bravery; courage; strength of mind
fortuitous =accidental; by chance
forum =public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion
forward= presumptuous or bold
foster =rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage
foul =very bad or disagreeable; very dirty
founder =person who establishes (an organization or business)
fracas =brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part
fractious= unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered
frail =weak
franchise= right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote
frantic =wild; distraught as from fear or worry
fraudulent= cheating; deceitful
fraught= filled (with something unpleasant); full
fray =brawl; fight
freebooter =pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich
frenetic =frenzied; frantic
frenzied= madly excited
frenzy =violent wild excitement
fresco= painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
fret be =annoyed or vexed
friction =clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against
frieze= ornamental horizontal band on a wall
frigid =intensely cold; cold in manner
fringe=decorative edge of hanging threads; edge
frisk =move about playfully; frolic
fritter =waste (time or money on unimportant things)
frivolous= lacking in seriousness
Flippant =self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention
frock =long loose garment (worn by monks)
frolic= play and jump about happily; frisk
frolicsome= prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
frond= fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
fructify =bear fruit; produce fruit
frugality= thrift; economy
frugal= practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive
fruitful = producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance
fruition= bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization
frustrate= thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose
fuddle =make stupid or confused as with alcoholic drink
fugitive=fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time
fulcrum =support on which a lever rests or pivots
fulminate= thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation
fulsome =disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering
fumble= move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something)
functional =made for practical use only (without decoration)
functionary =official (who performs a particular function)
fundamental =basic; primary; essential
funereal= sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral
furor= frenzy; great anger and excitement
furrow =long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin
furtive =stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice)
fusillade= simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)
Fusion= union; coalition
fuss= trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous
fussy= fastidious; finicky; easily upset
futile= useless; hopeless; ineffectual
facade= front or face (of building); superficial or false appearance
facet =small plane surface (of a gem (precious stone)); a side
facetious= joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous
facile= easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep
facility= ability to do something easily and well
facilitate =help bring about; make less difficult
facsimile =copy
faction =party; clique (within a large group); dissension
factious= inclined to form factions; causing dissension
factitious= artificial; produced artificially; sham; false
factotum =handyman; person who does all kinds of work
faculty= mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
fake= not genuine
fallacious= false; based on a fallacy; misleading
fallacy= false idea or notion; false reasoning
fallible =liable to err
fallow = (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated
falsify =make (something written) false by changing
falter= hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness
fanaticism= excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause
fancied =imagined; unreal
fancier= breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising specific plant or animal
fanciful= whimsical; visionary; imaginary
fancy= imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature)
fanfare =call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spectacular public display
farce =broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly things happening
far-fetched= too improbable to be believed; implausible
fashion =give shape to; make
fastidious =difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
fatalism =belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one’s control
Fatal= causing death
fathom= comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of
fathomless= too deep to be measured or understood; unfathomable
fatuous= smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly
fauna= animals of a period or region
favoritism= display of partiality toward a favored person
fawning= courting favor by cringing and flattering
Fawn= exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness
faze= disconcert; dismay; embarrass
feasible= practical; able to be carried out; practicable
feature= distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth)
Features= overall appearance of the face
febrile= feverish
fecundity= fertility; fruitfulness
fecund= very productive of crops or young
feebleminded= deficient in intelligence; very stupid
feign= pretend
feint= trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action
felicitous= (of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen
felicity =happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.)
Feline= of a member of the cat family
fell =cut or knock down (a tree or a person)
felon =person convicted of a grave crime
felony= serious crime
feral = (of an animal) not domestic; wild
ferment =agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activity)
fermentation= chemical reaction that splits complex organic compounds; agitation
ferocious= fierce; violent
ferret =drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets
fertile= producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops
fervent= ardent; zealous; hot
fervid= ardent; zealous; hot
fervor= glowing ardor; intensity of feeling
fester =rankle; produce irritation or resentment
festive= joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival
fete= honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with a feast
fetid= malodorous; foul
fetish =object believed to have spiritual powers
fetter =shackle; restrict the freedom of
feud= bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families)
fiasco =total failure
fiat =command; arbitrary order
fickle =changeable (in affections or friendship)
fictitious= imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive
fidelity =loyalty; accuracy
fiend =evil spirit; devil
figment= invention; something invented; imaginary thing
figurative= not literal but metaphorical; using a figure(impression) of speech
figure =written symbols; number; amount represented in numbers
figurine= small ornamental statuette(very small statue)
filch =steal (things of small value)
filial =pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter
filibuster= block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches
filigree =delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
filing= particle removed by a file
filth =dirty matter
finale= conclusion; concluding part
finery =beautiful clothes for a special occasion
finesse= delicate skill
finicky =too particular; fussy; difficult to please
finish =surface texture; completeness of execution
finished= properly made and complete
finite= limited
firebrand= piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker
fissure =crevice; crack
fit =sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy
fitful =spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
flaccid= flabby; lacking firmness; weak
flag =droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength
flagrant= conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant
flail= beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly
flair =talent
flamboyant= ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored
flashy= showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
flaunt= display ostentatiously
Flay= strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly
fleck =spot; mark with flecks
fledgling = (fledglings) inexperienced
fleece =wool coat of a sheep
fleet =fast; rapid
fleeting = passing quickly; ephemeral
flick =light stroke as with a whip
flicker =burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly
flighty = (esp. of a woman’s behavior) capricious; often changing
flinch =hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant)
flip =send (something) spinning, often into the air
flippant =lacking proper seriousness
flirt =behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention
flit= fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly
floe =flat mass of floating ice
flora =plants of a region or era
florescence= condition or period of flowering
florid= ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate
flotsam =drifting wreckage
flounder =struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily
flourish= grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures
flout= reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn
flowery =full of flowers; full of ornate expressions
fluctuate= waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves
fluency= smoothness of speech
fluke= unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck
flush =redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly
fluster= confuse; make nervous and confused
fluted =having vertical parallel grooves
Flute= make long parallel inward curves in
flute= long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column
flutter = (of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly
flux =flowing; series of changes; fluctuation
fodder =coarse food for cattle, horses, etc
foible =small weakness of character; slight fault
foil =defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful
foist= insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion
foliage= masses of leaves
foment =stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)
foolhardy= rash; reckless; foolishly daring
foppish =vain about dress and appearance
Fop= man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance
foray =raid; sudden raid or military advance
forbearance= patience; forgiveness
Forbear= refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient
ford =place where a river can be crossed on foot
forebears = (forbears) ancestors
foreboding =premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil
forebode=be a warning of (something unpleasant)
forensic= suitable to debate or courts of law
forerunner= predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another
foreshadow= give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure
foresight =ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future
forestall =prevent by taking action in advance
forfeit =something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract
forge= counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently
forgo= (forego) give up; do without
forlorn= sad and lonely; wretched; desolate
formality =ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules
formidable= menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat
forsake= desert; abandon; renounce
forswear= renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up
forte =strong point or special talent in a person’s character
forthcoming= happening in the near future; ready; willing to help
forthright =straightforward; direct; frank
fortitude =bravery; courage; strength of mind
fortuitous =accidental; by chance
forum =public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion
forward= presumptuous or bold
foster =rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage
foul =very bad or disagreeable; very dirty
founder =person who establishes (an organization or business)
fracas =brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part
fractious= unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered
frail =weak
franchise= right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote
frantic =wild; distraught as from fear or worry
fraudulent= cheating; deceitful
fraught= filled (with something unpleasant); full
fray =brawl; fight
freebooter =pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich
frenetic =frenzied; frantic
frenzied= madly excited
frenzy =violent wild excitement
fresco= painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
fret be =annoyed or vexed
friction =clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against
frieze= ornamental horizontal band on a wall
frigid =intensely cold; cold in manner
fringe=decorative edge of hanging threads; edge
frisk =move about playfully; frolic
fritter =waste (time or money on unimportant things)
frivolous= lacking in seriousness
Flippant =self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention
frock =long loose garment (worn by monks)
frolic= play and jump about happily; frisk
frolicsome= prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
frond= fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
fructify =bear fruit; produce fruit
frugality= thrift; economy
frugal= practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive
fruitful = producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance
fruition= bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization
frustrate= thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose
fuddle =make stupid or confused as with alcoholic drink
fugitive=fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time
fulcrum =support on which a lever rests or pivots
fulminate= thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation
fulsome =disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering
fumble= move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something)
functional =made for practical use only (without decoration)
functionary =official (who performs a particular function)
fundamental =basic; primary; essential
funereal= sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral
furor= frenzy; great anger and excitement
furrow =long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin
furtive =stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice)
fusillade= simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)
Fusion= union; coalition
fuss= trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous
fussy= fastidious; finicky; easily upset
futile= useless; hopeless; ineffectual
G
gadfly= animal-biting fly; irritating person
gaffe =social blunder
gainsay =deny
gait= manner of walking or running; speed
galaxy =large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky Way
gale= windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst (laughter, tears)
gall =annoy; exasperate; chafe
galleon =large three-masted sailing ship
galley =low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)
gallows= framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)
galvanic =of the production of electricity by the action of an acid on a metal
galvanize =stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock
gambit =opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed
gambol =romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic
gamely= in a spirited manner; with courage
gamut =entire range
gangrene= decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply
gape =open widely; open the mouth wide
garbled =mixed up; jumbled; distorted
garble= distort a message to make misleading
gargantuan =huge; enormous; gigantic
gargoyle= waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a building
garish =over bright in color
garner =gather; store up; amass
garnish =decorate; decorate (food or drink) with small items
garrulous= loquacious; wordy; talkative
gastronomy= art and science of preparing and serving good food
gauche =clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
gaudy= flashy; showy
gaunt =lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren
gavel= hammer like tool; mallet used by a presiding officer
gawk =stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe
gazette =official periodical publication
genealogy= record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of ancestry
generality =vague statement; general statement which is not detailed
generate =cause; produce; create
generic= characteristic of an entire class or species; of a genus
genesis =beginning; origin
geniality =cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy
genial= cheerful and good-tempered
genre= particular variety of art or literature
genteel =well-bred; elegant
gentility= those of gentle birth; high social class
gentle =kindly; soft; mild; of good family
gentry= people of standing(rank or position)
genuflect= bend the knee as in worship
genus =division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species
geriatrics= medical treatment and care of old age
germ =earliest form of an organism; seed or bud
germane =pertinent; appropriate
germinal= pertaining to a germ; creative
germinate =cause to sprout; sprout
gerontocracy =government ruled by old people
gerontology= study of the sociological state associated with old age
gerrymander= change voting district lines to favor a political party
gestate =evolve as in prenatal growth
Gestation= period of development from conception until birth
gesticulation= motion; gesture
gesticulate= make gestures (while speaking)
ghastly =horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts
gibberish= nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk or writing; babbling
gibe= mock; make jeering remarks
giddy =light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing dizziness
gild =cover with a thin layer of gold
gingerly= very carefully
girth =distance around something; circumference
gist =essence; main point; substance
glacial= like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold
glamour =compelling charm
glare =shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily
glaring = (of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright
glaze =cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to
gleam =brief flash of light; glow
glean =gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers
glib =fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile; slick
glimmer =shine erratically; twinkle
glitter= shine brightly with flashing points of light
gloat= express evil satisfaction
gloss= brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression
gloss= over explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults
glossary= brief explanation of words used in the text
glossy =smooth and shining
Gloss= shiny brightness on a surface; superficially attractive appearance
glow =shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or metals)
glower= scowl; glare; look or stare angrily
glut =overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food)
glutinous= sticky; viscous; gluey
glutton =someone who eats too much
gluttonous= given to gluttony; greedy
gluttony= habit of eating too much
gnarl= protruding knot on a tree
gnarled= twisted
gnome= dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure hoards
goad =urge on; drive with a goad
gobble =eat very quickly
gorge =stuff oneself (with food); glut
gorgeous= dazzlingly beautiful
gory= bloody
gore= blood (from a wound)
gossamer =sheer; very light; like cobwebs
gouge =overcharge (with high price)
gourmand =epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food
gourmet= connoisseur of food and drink; epicure
gracious =kind in a generous way (to someone less important)
gradation =series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression
graduate= arrange into categories or grades
graduated =arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)
granary= storehouse for grain
grandeur= impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
grandiloquent= (of a person or speech) using high sounding words
grandiose =affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown
granulate= form into grains or granules
granule= grain or particle
graphic= pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described
graphite= black form of carbon used in lead pencils
grapple= wrestle; come to grips with
grate =make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect
gratify= please; satisfy
gratis =free; without charge
gratuitous= given freely; unwarranted
gratuity =money given to those who has done one a service; tip
gravity =seriousness
graze= (of an animal) feed on growing grass
gregarious= sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group
grievance= cause of complaint; complaint
grill =question severely; cook on a grill
grim =causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in spite of fear
grimace= facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust
grisly =ghastly; horrifying
groom= man employed to take care of horses
groove= long narrow channel made to guide the movement of something
gross =total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people’s behavior) coarse
grotesque= fantastic, strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)
grotto =small cavern
grouch= bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining
grouse =complain; fuss; grumble; grouch
grovel =crawl or creep on ground; behave in a servile manner
growl =low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)
grudge =deep feeling of dislike
grudging =unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)
gruel =thin liquid porridge
grueling=exhausting
gruesome= grisly; horrible
gruff =rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse
grumble= complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch
grunt= utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does)
guffaw= boisterous laughter
guile= deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning
guileless= without deceit
guise= outward appearance; costume
gull= trick; deceive; hoodwink
gullible= easily deceived
gush = (of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole
gust= strong abrupt rush of wind
gustatory =affecting or relating to the sense of taste
gusto= eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
gusty= windy
guy= cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced
gyroscope= apparatus used to maintain balance and to ascertain direction
gaffe =social blunder
gainsay =deny
gait= manner of walking or running; speed
galaxy =large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky Way
gale= windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst (laughter, tears)
gall =annoy; exasperate; chafe
galleon =large three-masted sailing ship
galley =low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)
gallows= framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)
galvanic =of the production of electricity by the action of an acid on a metal
galvanize =stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock
gambit =opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed
gambol =romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic
gamely= in a spirited manner; with courage
gamut =entire range
gangrene= decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply
gape =open widely; open the mouth wide
garbled =mixed up; jumbled; distorted
garble= distort a message to make misleading
gargantuan =huge; enormous; gigantic
gargoyle= waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a building
garish =over bright in color
garner =gather; store up; amass
garnish =decorate; decorate (food or drink) with small items
garrulous= loquacious; wordy; talkative
gastronomy= art and science of preparing and serving good food
gauche =clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
gaudy= flashy; showy
gaunt =lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren
gavel= hammer like tool; mallet used by a presiding officer
gawk =stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe
gazette =official periodical publication
genealogy= record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of ancestry
generality =vague statement; general statement which is not detailed
generate =cause; produce; create
generic= characteristic of an entire class or species; of a genus
genesis =beginning; origin
geniality =cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy
genial= cheerful and good-tempered
genre= particular variety of art or literature
genteel =well-bred; elegant
gentility= those of gentle birth; high social class
gentle =kindly; soft; mild; of good family
gentry= people of standing(rank or position)
genuflect= bend the knee as in worship
genus =division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species
geriatrics= medical treatment and care of old age
germ =earliest form of an organism; seed or bud
germane =pertinent; appropriate
germinal= pertaining to a germ; creative
germinate =cause to sprout; sprout
gerontocracy =government ruled by old people
gerontology= study of the sociological state associated with old age
gerrymander= change voting district lines to favor a political party
gestate =evolve as in prenatal growth
Gestation= period of development from conception until birth
gesticulation= motion; gesture
gesticulate= make gestures (while speaking)
ghastly =horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts
gibberish= nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk or writing; babbling
gibe= mock; make jeering remarks
giddy =light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing dizziness
gild =cover with a thin layer of gold
gingerly= very carefully
girth =distance around something; circumference
gist =essence; main point; substance
glacial= like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold
glamour =compelling charm
glare =shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily
glaring = (of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright
glaze =cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to
gleam =brief flash of light; glow
glean =gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers
glib =fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile; slick
glimmer =shine erratically; twinkle
glitter= shine brightly with flashing points of light
gloat= express evil satisfaction
gloss= brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression
gloss= over explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults
glossary= brief explanation of words used in the text
glossy =smooth and shining
Gloss= shiny brightness on a surface; superficially attractive appearance
glow =shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or metals)
glower= scowl; glare; look or stare angrily
glut =overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food)
glutinous= sticky; viscous; gluey
glutton =someone who eats too much
gluttonous= given to gluttony; greedy
gluttony= habit of eating too much
gnarl= protruding knot on a tree
gnarled= twisted
gnome= dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure hoards
goad =urge on; drive with a goad
gobble =eat very quickly
gorge =stuff oneself (with food); glut
gorgeous= dazzlingly beautiful
gory= bloody
gore= blood (from a wound)
gossamer =sheer; very light; like cobwebs
gouge =overcharge (with high price)
gourmand =epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food
gourmet= connoisseur of food and drink; epicure
gracious =kind in a generous way (to someone less important)
gradation =series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression
graduate= arrange into categories or grades
graduated =arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)
granary= storehouse for grain
grandeur= impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
grandiloquent= (of a person or speech) using high sounding words
grandiose =affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown
granulate= form into grains or granules
granule= grain or particle
graphic= pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described
graphite= black form of carbon used in lead pencils
grapple= wrestle; come to grips with
grate =make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect
gratify= please; satisfy
gratis =free; without charge
gratuitous= given freely; unwarranted
gratuity =money given to those who has done one a service; tip
gravity =seriousness
graze= (of an animal) feed on growing grass
gregarious= sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group
grievance= cause of complaint; complaint
grill =question severely; cook on a grill
grim =causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in spite of fear
grimace= facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust
grisly =ghastly; horrifying
groom= man employed to take care of horses
groove= long narrow channel made to guide the movement of something
gross =total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people’s behavior) coarse
grotesque= fantastic, strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)
grotto =small cavern
grouch= bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining
grouse =complain; fuss; grumble; grouch
grovel =crawl or creep on ground; behave in a servile manner
growl =low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)
grudge =deep feeling of dislike
grudging =unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)
gruel =thin liquid porridge
grueling=exhausting
gruesome= grisly; horrible
gruff =rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse
grumble= complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch
grunt= utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does)
guffaw= boisterous laughter
guile= deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning
guileless= without deceit
guise= outward appearance; costume
gull= trick; deceive; hoodwink
gullible= easily deceived
gush = (of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole
gust= strong abrupt rush of wind
gustatory =affecting or relating to the sense of taste
gusto= eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
gusty= windy
guy= cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced
gyroscope= apparatus used to maintain balance and to ascertain direction
H
habitat= natural home of a plant or animal
habituate =accustom or familiarize; addict
hackles= hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog
hackneyed =commonplace; trite
haggard= wasted away; gaunt
haggle =argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
hail= frozen rain drop
halcyon= calm; peaceful
hale =healthy
halfhearted= exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm
hallowed= blessed; consecrated
Hallow= set apart as holy
hallucination =delusion; false idea; false perception of objects with a compelling sense of their reality
halting =hesitant; faltering; not fluent
halt= proceed or act with uncertainty; falter; hesitate; waver
hamper =obstruct; prevent the free movement of
handsome= large in quantity; generous
hap= chance; luck
haphazard =random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner
hapless =unfortunate; luckless
harangue= long, passionate, and vehement speech
harass =annoy by repeated attacks
harbinger =forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
harbor =give protection (by giving food and shelter); provide a refuge for
hardy= (of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) able to stand inclement(stormy) weather
harping= tiresome dwelling on a subject
Harp= dwell on (think or speak a lot about) tediously
harrowing= agonizing; distressing; traumatic
harrow= break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict great distress on; agonize
Harry= harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid
hatch =deck opening; lid covering a deck opening
haughtiness =pride; arrogance
haunt= (of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent
haven= place of safety; refuge; harbor
havoc =widespread damage; disorder; chaos
hazard= venture; put in danger; risk
hazardous= dangerous
hazy =slightly obscure; misty; unclear
haze= light mist or smoke; confused state of mind
headfirst =moving with the head leading; headlong
headlong =hasty; rash; headfirst
headstrong= willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one’s own way
healthful =conducive to good health
healthy =possessing good health; healthful
heckler =person who verbally harasses others
Heckle= verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker or speech)
hedonist =one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life
hedonism= practice of living one’s life purely for pleasure
heed =pay attention to
heedless= not noticing; disregarding
hegemony =dominance especially of one nation over others
heinous= atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad
helm =steering wheel of a ship; position of control
hem =surround tightly so that movement is impossible
herald messenger; sign of something to come
herbivorous= grain-eating
herd =group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a herd
hereafter= life after death
heresy =opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion
hermetic =concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult
hermitage= home of a hermit
herpetologist =one who studies reptiles
herpetology= branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians
heterodox= (of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox; unconventional
heterogeneous= dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of dissimilar elements or plants
hew =cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop
heyday= time of greatest success or power; prime
hiatus =gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; break
hibernal =wintry; wintry; of or like winter
hibernate =sleep throughout the winter
hide =skin of an animal
hideous= repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant
hierarchy =arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks
hieroglyphic= picture writing
high-flown= highly pretentious or inflated
hilarity= boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter)
hilarious= full of laughter
hindmost= furthest behind; farthest to the rear
hindrance =block; obstacle
hindsight =understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened
hinterlands =back country; inner part of a country
hireling =one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously)
hirsute= hairy; having a lot of hair
historic= important in history
historical connected with history
histrionic =theatrical; excessively dramatic, affected; of actors or acting
hive= box for bees
hoard= stockpile; accumulate for future use
hoary= white with age
hoax =trick which makes someone take action; practical joke
holocaust =destruction by fire
holster =leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around the waist)
homage= honor; tribute; great respect
homely= not good-looking; unattractive
homeostasis =tendency of a system or organism to maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium
homespun= domestic; made at home; spun or woven at home; simple
homily =sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning
homogeneous= of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout
hone= sharpen (a tool)
hoodwink= deceive; delude
horde= crowd; swarm
horoscope=diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person’s birth) used by astrologers
hortatory =encouraging; extortive; marked by exhortation
horticultural= pertaining to cultivation of gardens
horticulture= science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants
hostage =person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
hostility =unfriendliness; hatred; enmity
hothead= person who does things too quickly without thinking
hovel= shack; small wretched house
hover= hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in one place; (of people) wait nearby
hubbub= confused uproar; loud noise; din
hubris =arrogance; excessive self-conceit
hue =color; aspect
hue and cry= outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest
hull= husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship
humane =marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian
humanitarian =one devoted to the promotion of human welfare
humble =of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others
humiliate= make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others
humdrum =dull; monotonous
humid= damp
humility= humbleness of spirit
hummock= small hill; hillock
humor= indulge; comply with the wishes of
humus =substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter
hurl =throw forcefully; shout out violently
hurtle= crash; rush
husband= use sparingly; conserve; save
husbandry= frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture
hut= crude dwelling; shack
hybrid =mongrel; mixed breed
hydrophobia =fear of water; rabies
hygiene =science and practice of the promotion and preservation of health
Hygienic= showing careful attention to cleanness (to prevent disease)
hyperbole= exaggeration; overstatement
Hyperbolic= of hyperbole; of a hyperbola
hypercritical =excessively exacting; too critical
hypnosis= induced sleeping state
hypochondriac =person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness
hypochondria =neurosis that one is or is becoming ill
hypocritical= pretending to be virtuous; deceiving
hypocrisy= profession of beliefs one does not possess
hypothetical =based on assumptions or hypotheses
hysteria= excessive or uncontrollable excitement
Hysteric= person suffering from hysteria
Hysterics= attack of hysteria
habituate =accustom or familiarize; addict
hackles= hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog
hackneyed =commonplace; trite
haggard= wasted away; gaunt
haggle =argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
hail= frozen rain drop
halcyon= calm; peaceful
hale =healthy
halfhearted= exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm
hallowed= blessed; consecrated
Hallow= set apart as holy
hallucination =delusion; false idea; false perception of objects with a compelling sense of their reality
halting =hesitant; faltering; not fluent
halt= proceed or act with uncertainty; falter; hesitate; waver
hamper =obstruct; prevent the free movement of
handsome= large in quantity; generous
hap= chance; luck
haphazard =random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner
hapless =unfortunate; luckless
harangue= long, passionate, and vehement speech
harass =annoy by repeated attacks
harbinger =forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
harbor =give protection (by giving food and shelter); provide a refuge for
hardy= (of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) able to stand inclement(stormy) weather
harping= tiresome dwelling on a subject
Harp= dwell on (think or speak a lot about) tediously
harrowing= agonizing; distressing; traumatic
harrow= break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict great distress on; agonize
Harry= harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid
hatch =deck opening; lid covering a deck opening
haughtiness =pride; arrogance
haunt= (of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent
haven= place of safety; refuge; harbor
havoc =widespread damage; disorder; chaos
hazard= venture; put in danger; risk
hazardous= dangerous
hazy =slightly obscure; misty; unclear
haze= light mist or smoke; confused state of mind
headfirst =moving with the head leading; headlong
headlong =hasty; rash; headfirst
headstrong= willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one’s own way
healthful =conducive to good health
healthy =possessing good health; healthful
heckler =person who verbally harasses others
Heckle= verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker or speech)
hedonist =one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life
hedonism= practice of living one’s life purely for pleasure
heed =pay attention to
heedless= not noticing; disregarding
hegemony =dominance especially of one nation over others
heinous= atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad
helm =steering wheel of a ship; position of control
hem =surround tightly so that movement is impossible
herald messenger; sign of something to come
herbivorous= grain-eating
herd =group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a herd
hereafter= life after death
heresy =opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion
hermetic =concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult
hermitage= home of a hermit
herpetologist =one who studies reptiles
herpetology= branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians
heterodox= (of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox; unconventional
heterogeneous= dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of dissimilar elements or plants
hew =cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop
heyday= time of greatest success or power; prime
hiatus =gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; break
hibernal =wintry; wintry; of or like winter
hibernate =sleep throughout the winter
hide =skin of an animal
hideous= repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant
hierarchy =arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks
hieroglyphic= picture writing
high-flown= highly pretentious or inflated
hilarity= boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter)
hilarious= full of laughter
hindmost= furthest behind; farthest to the rear
hindrance =block; obstacle
hindsight =understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened
hinterlands =back country; inner part of a country
hireling =one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously)
hirsute= hairy; having a lot of hair
historic= important in history
historical connected with history
histrionic =theatrical; excessively dramatic, affected; of actors or acting
hive= box for bees
hoard= stockpile; accumulate for future use
hoary= white with age
hoax =trick which makes someone take action; practical joke
holocaust =destruction by fire
holster =leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around the waist)
homage= honor; tribute; great respect
homely= not good-looking; unattractive
homeostasis =tendency of a system or organism to maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium
homespun= domestic; made at home; spun or woven at home; simple
homily =sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning
homogeneous= of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout
hone= sharpen (a tool)
hoodwink= deceive; delude
horde= crowd; swarm
horoscope=diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person’s birth) used by astrologers
hortatory =encouraging; extortive; marked by exhortation
horticultural= pertaining to cultivation of gardens
horticulture= science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants
hostage =person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
hostility =unfriendliness; hatred; enmity
hothead= person who does things too quickly without thinking
hovel= shack; small wretched house
hover= hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in one place; (of people) wait nearby
hubbub= confused uproar; loud noise; din
hubris =arrogance; excessive self-conceit
hue =color; aspect
hue and cry= outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest
hull= husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship
humane =marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian
humanitarian =one devoted to the promotion of human welfare
humble =of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others
humiliate= make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others
humdrum =dull; monotonous
humid= damp
humility= humbleness of spirit
hummock= small hill; hillock
humor= indulge; comply with the wishes of
humus =substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter
hurl =throw forcefully; shout out violently
hurtle= crash; rush
husband= use sparingly; conserve; save
husbandry= frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture
hut= crude dwelling; shack
hybrid =mongrel; mixed breed
hydrophobia =fear of water; rabies
hygiene =science and practice of the promotion and preservation of health
Hygienic= showing careful attention to cleanness (to prevent disease)
hyperbole= exaggeration; overstatement
Hyperbolic= of hyperbole; of a hyperbola
hypercritical =excessively exacting; too critical
hypnosis= induced sleeping state
hypochondriac =person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness
hypochondria =neurosis that one is or is becoming ill
hypocritical= pretending to be virtuous; deceiving
hypocrisy= profession of beliefs one does not possess
hypothetical =based on assumptions or hypotheses
hysteria= excessive or uncontrollable excitement
Hysteric= person suffering from hysteria
Hysterics= attack of hysteria
I
Ichthyology =study of fish
Ichthyo= fish
icon= religious image; idol; image or representation
iconoclastic= attacking cherished traditions
iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who destroys sacred images
ideology =system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture
idiom= expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the meanings of its individual words
idiosyncrasy= individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral peculiarity; eccentricity
idle =not working; not employed or busy; lazy
idolatry= worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion
idyll =short poem idealizing rural life
idyllic =charmingly carefree; simple and happy
igneous =produced by fire; of fire; volcanic
ignite= kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to
ignoble= unworthy; not noble; dishonorable
ignominy= deep disgrace; shame or dishonor
illicit= illegal
illimitable= infinite; limitless
illuminate =brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten; enable to understand
illusion =misleading vision or visual image
illusive= deceiving; based on illusion
illusory= illusive; deceptive; not real
imbalance= lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion
imbecility= weakness of mind
imbecile= stupid person; fool
imbibe =drink in
imbroglio= complicated situation (as in a play)
imbue= saturate(soak thoroughly); fill
immaculate =spotless; flawless; absolutely clean
imminent =impending; near at hand
immobility =state of being immovable
immolate =offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)
immune= resistant to; free or exempt from
immure =imprison; shut up in confinement
immutable =unchangeable
impair =injure; hurt; damage
impale= pierce (with a sharp point)
impalpable =imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible
palpable= tangible; easily perceptible
impart =grant a share of; make known
impartial =not biased; fair
impassable= not able to be traveled or crossed
impasse= predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape
impassioned = (of speech) filled with passion; fervent
impassive= without feeling; expressionless; imperturbable; stoical
impeach= charge (a public official) with crime in office
impeccable= faultless
impecunious= without money
impede =hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block
impediment= hindrance; stumbling-block
impel= drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action
impending =nearing; approaching; about to happen
impenetrable= not able to be pierced or entered
impenitent =not repentant
imperative =absolutely necessary; that must be done
imperceptible =unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable
imperial= like an emperor; related to an empire
imperil =put in danger
imperious =domineering; too commanding; haughty
impermeable =impervious; not permitting passage through its substance
impersonal= not being a person; not showing personal feelings
impertinent= insolent; rude; not pertinent
imperturbable= unshakably calm; placid
impervious= impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed
impetus= moving force; momentum; force of a moving body; stimulus
impiety =irreverence; lack of respect for God
impinge= infringe; encroach; influence; touch
impious =irreverent
implacable =incapable of being pacified; impossible to appease
implausible =unlikely (to be true); unbelievable
implement =put into effect; enforce
implicate =incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be involved (in a crime)
implication= something hinted at or suggested
implicit =understood but not stated; implied
implode= burst inward
implore= ask or beg earnestly; beseech
imply =suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
impolitic =not wise; not expedient; not politic
imponderable= weightless; that cannot undergo precise evaluation
import =significance; importance; meaning
importunate= urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent
importune= beg persistently
imposture =assuming a false identity; masquerade
impotent= weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power
impoverish= make poor; deprive of natural strength
imprecation =curse; swearword
impregnable= invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force
impregnate =make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
impromptu =without previous preparation; off the cuff
impropriety =improperness; unsuitableness
improvident =thriftless; not providing for the future
improvise =compose on the spur of the moment
imprudent= lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious
impudence =impertinence; insolence
impugn =dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way); attack as false or questionable
impuissance= powerlessness; feebleness
impunity= freedom from punishment or harm
impute =attribute; ascribe; charge
inadvertently= unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly
inalienable= not to be taken away; nontransferable
inamorata= woman whom a man loves
inane =silly; senseless
inanimate= lifeless; not animate
inarticulate= speechless; producing indistinct speech
inaugurate= begin formally; install in office; induct into office by a formal ceremony
incandescent =strikingly bright; shining with intense heat
incantation= singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula
incapacitate= disable
incapacity= lack of capacity
incarcerate= imprison
incarnate =endowed with flesh; invested with bodily form
incarnation= act of assuming a human body and human nature; personification
incendiary =arsonist
incense =enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely angry
incentive= spur; motive; something which encourages one to greater activity
inception =start; beginning
incessant =uninterrupted; unceasing
inchoate = (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development
incidence= rate of occurrence; particular occurrence
incident =event; event that causes a crisis
incidental =not essential; minor
incinerate =burn to ashes
incipient =beginning; in an early stage
incisive = (appreciatively) cutting; sharp
Incise= make a cut into
incite= arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist
inclement= stormy; unkind; unmerciful
incline =slope; slant
inclined =tending or leaning toward; bent
Incline= slant; dispose; be disposed; tend
inclusive =tending to include all; all-inclusive
incognito= with identity concealed; using an assumed name
incoherent= unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one’s thoughts in an orderly manner
incommodious= not spacious; inconvenient
incompatible =inharmonious
incongruity =lack of harmony; absurdity
Incongruous= lacking in harmony; inappropriate
inconsequential= insignificant; unimportant
inconsistency =state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness
inconsistent =displaying a lack of consistency; erratic
incontinent =lacking self-restraint; not continent; licentious
incontrovertible= indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to question
incorporate= introduce something into a larger whole; include
incorporeal =without a material body; insubstantial
incorrigible =uncorrectable
incredulity= tendency to disbelief
incredulous =withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief
increment= increase
incriminate= accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as evidence against
incrustation =hard coating or crust
incrust= encrust; cover with a crust
incubate =hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote hatching
incubus =burden; very worrying problem; mental care; nightmare
inculcate= teach (ideas or principles); instill
incumbent= obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently holding an office
incur =bring upon oneself
incursion= temporary invasion
indecision= irresolution; inability to make up one’s mind
indecisive =marked by indecision; inconclusive
indefatigable= tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired
indelible =not able to be erased
indemnify =make secure against damage or loss
indentation =notch; deep recess
indenture= bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by indenture
indeterminate= uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite
indicative =suggestive; implying; serving to indicate
indices= signs; indications
index= something that reveals or indicates
indict= charge
indifferent =unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in
indigence= poverty
indigenous= native
indigent =poor; destitute
indignation= anger at an injustice
indignity =treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity
indiscriminate =choosing at random; confused; not based on careful distinctions
indisputable= too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt
indissoluble =permanent; impossible to dissolve or disintegrate
indite= write; compose
indoctrinate =cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it
indolent= lazy
indomitable =unconquerable; unyielding
indubitable= unable to be doubted; which cannot be doubted
induce =persuade; lead to do something
induct =place formally in office; install
inductive =pertaining to induction or proceeding from the specific to the general
indulge= yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure
indulgent= humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence
industrious= diligent; hard-working
inebriate= make drunk; intoxicate
inebriated =habitually intoxicated
ineffable =unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo
ineffectual= not effective; not having a desired effect; weak
ineluctable= irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable
inept= unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent
Inapt = (of statements or ideas) inappropriate
inequity= unfairness
inerrancy =infallibility
inert =inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or act
Inertia= state of being inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state
inestimable =impossible to estimate
Invaluable= of immeasurable worth
inevitable =unavoidable
inexorable= relentless; unyielding; implacable
inextricable= from which it is impossible to get free
infallible =unerring; never making mistakes
infamous =notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad
Infamy= infamous act; evil fame or reputation
infantile =childish; infant like
infer =deduce; conclude
infernal= pertaining to hell; devilish
inferno= place of fiery heat or destruction
infest =inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful
infidel =unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)
infiltrate =pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an organization) sneakily
infinitesimal= very small
infirmity =weakness
inflated =exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas)
influx= flowing into
infraction =violation (of a rule or regulation); breach
infringe =violate (a law); encroach (the right of another person)
ingenious =marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful
ingénue =young innocent girl
ingenuous= naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
ingrained =deeply established; firmly rooted
ingrate= ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)
ingratiate =become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another
inherent =firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
inhibit =restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent
inhibited= (of a person) unable to express what one really feels
inimical = (of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something) harmful; detrimental
inimitable= matchless; not able to be imitated
iniquitous= wicked; immoral; unrighteous
initiate= begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to a new field or activity
injurious= harmful; causing injury
inkling =hint; slight indication
innate= inborn
innocuous =harmless
innovation =change; something newly introduced; introduction of something new
innovate= begin or introduce (something new)
innuendo= indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation
inopportune= untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen
inordinate= beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; excessive
inquisitive =eager for knowledge; unduly curious
inquisitor =questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition
inroad= hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity
insalubrious= unwholesome; not healthful
insatiable =not easily satisfied; unquenchable
inscrutable =difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious
insensate =without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
insensible =unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive
insidious= treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading harmfully in a stealthy manner
insightful =discerning; perceptive
insinuate= hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce
insipid =lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull
insolence= impudent disrespect; haughtiness
insolvent =bankrupt; lacking money to pay
insomnia= wakefulness; inability to sleep
insouciant= without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent
instigate= start; urge; provoke; incite
institute =organization for a special purpose
institution= instituting; (building for the) organization; established custom
institutionalize= make into an institution; put or confine in an institution
insubordination= disobedience; rebelliousness
insubstantial =lacking substance; insignificant
insularity= narrow-mindedness; isolation
insular =of an island; isolated; narrow-minded
insuperable= insurmountable; unbeatable
insurgent =rebellious
insurmountable =overwhelming; unbeatable; insuperable
insurrection =rebellion; uprising
intangible =not able to be perceived by touch; vague
integral =complete; necessary for completeness
integrate =make whole; combine; make into one unit
integrity =honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole and undivided
intellect= higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability
intelligentsia =intellectuals; members of the educated elite
inter= bury
interdict= prohibit; forbid
interim =meantime
interjection =exclamation
interloper= intruder; one who interferes
intermediary= intermediate; acting as a mediator
interminable =endless
intermittent =periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at intervals
internecine= mutually destructive
interpolate= insert between
interregnum =period between two successive reigns or governments
interrogate= question closely; cross-examine; cross-question
interstice= narrow space between things
intervene =come between; interfere
intimate =hint; suggest; imply
intimidate =frighten
intolerant =not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one’s own
intoxicate= make drunk; stimulate or excite
intractable= unruly; difficult to manage
intransigence= refusal of any compromise; stubbornness
Intransigent= uncompromising
intrepid= fearless
intrigue =make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of
intrinsic= essential; inherent; built-in
introspective= looking within oneself
introspection= self-examination
introvert =one who is introspective or inclined to think more about oneself
intrude =put or force in without being asked; trespass
intuition= immediate insight; power of knowing without reasoning
Intuit= know by intuition
inundate= flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely
inured= accustomed; hardened
inure= make used to something undesirable
invalid =one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness
invalidate= weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
invective= abuse
inveigh =denounce; utter censure or invective
inveigle =deceive; lead astray by deception; wheedle(cajole)
inverse =opposite
invert=turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position or condition of
inveterate= deep-rooted; habitual
invidious =designed to create ill will or envy
invincible =unconquerable
inviolable= secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or profanation)
invocation= prayer for help (used in invoking); calling upon as a reference or support
invoke =call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/upon (a higher power or god) for help
invulnerable= incapable of injury
iota =very small quantity
irascible= irritable; easily angered
irate= angry
Ire =anger; wrath
iridescent =exhibiting rainbow like colors
irksome= annoying; tedious
irk= annoy
ironic= expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner
irony =hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to mean the opposite of what they actually mean
irreconcilable= impossible to reconcile; incompatible
irrefutable= indisputable; incontrovertible
irrelevant= not applicable; unrelated
irremediable= incurable
irreparable= not able to be corrected or repaired
irrepressible =unable to be restrained or held back
irreproachable= beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable
irresolute =uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolution; indecisive
irretrievable =impossible to recover or regain
irreverence= lack of proper respect or reverence
irrevocable= unalterable; irreversible; impossible to revoke
isotope =varying from of an element
isthmus= narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land
itinerant =wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work)
itinerary= plan of a trip
Ichthyo= fish
icon= religious image; idol; image or representation
iconoclastic= attacking cherished traditions
iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who destroys sacred images
ideology =system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture
idiom= expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the meanings of its individual words
idiosyncrasy= individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral peculiarity; eccentricity
idle =not working; not employed or busy; lazy
idolatry= worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion
idyll =short poem idealizing rural life
idyllic =charmingly carefree; simple and happy
igneous =produced by fire; of fire; volcanic
ignite= kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to
ignoble= unworthy; not noble; dishonorable
ignominy= deep disgrace; shame or dishonor
illicit= illegal
illimitable= infinite; limitless
illuminate =brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten; enable to understand
illusion =misleading vision or visual image
illusive= deceiving; based on illusion
illusory= illusive; deceptive; not real
imbalance= lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion
imbecility= weakness of mind
imbecile= stupid person; fool
imbibe =drink in
imbroglio= complicated situation (as in a play)
imbue= saturate(soak thoroughly); fill
immaculate =spotless; flawless; absolutely clean
imminent =impending; near at hand
immobility =state of being immovable
immolate =offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)
immune= resistant to; free or exempt from
immure =imprison; shut up in confinement
immutable =unchangeable
impair =injure; hurt; damage
impale= pierce (with a sharp point)
impalpable =imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible
palpable= tangible; easily perceptible
impart =grant a share of; make known
impartial =not biased; fair
impassable= not able to be traveled or crossed
impasse= predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape
impassioned = (of speech) filled with passion; fervent
impassive= without feeling; expressionless; imperturbable; stoical
impeach= charge (a public official) with crime in office
impeccable= faultless
impecunious= without money
impede =hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block
impediment= hindrance; stumbling-block
impel= drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action
impending =nearing; approaching; about to happen
impenetrable= not able to be pierced or entered
impenitent =not repentant
imperative =absolutely necessary; that must be done
imperceptible =unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable
imperial= like an emperor; related to an empire
imperil =put in danger
imperious =domineering; too commanding; haughty
impermeable =impervious; not permitting passage through its substance
impersonal= not being a person; not showing personal feelings
impertinent= insolent; rude; not pertinent
imperturbable= unshakably calm; placid
impervious= impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed
impetus= moving force; momentum; force of a moving body; stimulus
impiety =irreverence; lack of respect for God
impinge= infringe; encroach; influence; touch
impious =irreverent
implacable =incapable of being pacified; impossible to appease
implausible =unlikely (to be true); unbelievable
implement =put into effect; enforce
implicate =incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be involved (in a crime)
implication= something hinted at or suggested
implicit =understood but not stated; implied
implode= burst inward
implore= ask or beg earnestly; beseech
imply =suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
impolitic =not wise; not expedient; not politic
imponderable= weightless; that cannot undergo precise evaluation
import =significance; importance; meaning
importunate= urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent
importune= beg persistently
imposture =assuming a false identity; masquerade
impotent= weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power
impoverish= make poor; deprive of natural strength
imprecation =curse; swearword
impregnable= invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force
impregnate =make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
impromptu =without previous preparation; off the cuff
impropriety =improperness; unsuitableness
improvident =thriftless; not providing for the future
improvise =compose on the spur of the moment
imprudent= lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious
impudence =impertinence; insolence
impugn =dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way); attack as false or questionable
impuissance= powerlessness; feebleness
impunity= freedom from punishment or harm
impute =attribute; ascribe; charge
inadvertently= unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly
inalienable= not to be taken away; nontransferable
inamorata= woman whom a man loves
inane =silly; senseless
inanimate= lifeless; not animate
inarticulate= speechless; producing indistinct speech
inaugurate= begin formally; install in office; induct into office by a formal ceremony
incandescent =strikingly bright; shining with intense heat
incantation= singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula
incapacitate= disable
incapacity= lack of capacity
incarcerate= imprison
incarnate =endowed with flesh; invested with bodily form
incarnation= act of assuming a human body and human nature; personification
incendiary =arsonist
incense =enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely angry
incentive= spur; motive; something which encourages one to greater activity
inception =start; beginning
incessant =uninterrupted; unceasing
inchoate = (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development
incidence= rate of occurrence; particular occurrence
incident =event; event that causes a crisis
incidental =not essential; minor
incinerate =burn to ashes
incipient =beginning; in an early stage
incisive = (appreciatively) cutting; sharp
Incise= make a cut into
incite= arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist
inclement= stormy; unkind; unmerciful
incline =slope; slant
inclined =tending or leaning toward; bent
Incline= slant; dispose; be disposed; tend
inclusive =tending to include all; all-inclusive
incognito= with identity concealed; using an assumed name
incoherent= unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one’s thoughts in an orderly manner
incommodious= not spacious; inconvenient
incompatible =inharmonious
incongruity =lack of harmony; absurdity
Incongruous= lacking in harmony; inappropriate
inconsequential= insignificant; unimportant
inconsistency =state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness
inconsistent =displaying a lack of consistency; erratic
incontinent =lacking self-restraint; not continent; licentious
incontrovertible= indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to question
incorporate= introduce something into a larger whole; include
incorporeal =without a material body; insubstantial
incorrigible =uncorrectable
incredulity= tendency to disbelief
incredulous =withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief
increment= increase
incriminate= accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as evidence against
incrustation =hard coating or crust
incrust= encrust; cover with a crust
incubate =hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote hatching
incubus =burden; very worrying problem; mental care; nightmare
inculcate= teach (ideas or principles); instill
incumbent= obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently holding an office
incur =bring upon oneself
incursion= temporary invasion
indecision= irresolution; inability to make up one’s mind
indecisive =marked by indecision; inconclusive
indefatigable= tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired
indelible =not able to be erased
indemnify =make secure against damage or loss
indentation =notch; deep recess
indenture= bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by indenture
indeterminate= uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite
indicative =suggestive; implying; serving to indicate
indices= signs; indications
index= something that reveals or indicates
indict= charge
indifferent =unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in
indigence= poverty
indigenous= native
indigent =poor; destitute
indignation= anger at an injustice
indignity =treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity
indiscriminate =choosing at random; confused; not based on careful distinctions
indisputable= too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt
indissoluble =permanent; impossible to dissolve or disintegrate
indite= write; compose
indoctrinate =cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it
indolent= lazy
indomitable =unconquerable; unyielding
indubitable= unable to be doubted; which cannot be doubted
induce =persuade; lead to do something
induct =place formally in office; install
inductive =pertaining to induction or proceeding from the specific to the general
indulge= yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure
indulgent= humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence
industrious= diligent; hard-working
inebriate= make drunk; intoxicate
inebriated =habitually intoxicated
ineffable =unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo
ineffectual= not effective; not having a desired effect; weak
ineluctable= irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable
inept= unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent
Inapt = (of statements or ideas) inappropriate
inequity= unfairness
inerrancy =infallibility
inert =inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or act
Inertia= state of being inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state
inestimable =impossible to estimate
Invaluable= of immeasurable worth
inevitable =unavoidable
inexorable= relentless; unyielding; implacable
inextricable= from which it is impossible to get free
infallible =unerring; never making mistakes
infamous =notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad
Infamy= infamous act; evil fame or reputation
infantile =childish; infant like
infer =deduce; conclude
infernal= pertaining to hell; devilish
inferno= place of fiery heat or destruction
infest =inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful
infidel =unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)
infiltrate =pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an organization) sneakily
infinitesimal= very small
infirmity =weakness
inflated =exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas)
influx= flowing into
infraction =violation (of a rule or regulation); breach
infringe =violate (a law); encroach (the right of another person)
ingenious =marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful
ingénue =young innocent girl
ingenuous= naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
ingrained =deeply established; firmly rooted
ingrate= ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)
ingratiate =become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another
inherent =firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
inhibit =restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent
inhibited= (of a person) unable to express what one really feels
inimical = (of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something) harmful; detrimental
inimitable= matchless; not able to be imitated
iniquitous= wicked; immoral; unrighteous
initiate= begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to a new field or activity
injurious= harmful; causing injury
inkling =hint; slight indication
innate= inborn
innocuous =harmless
innovation =change; something newly introduced; introduction of something new
innovate= begin or introduce (something new)
innuendo= indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation
inopportune= untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen
inordinate= beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; excessive
inquisitive =eager for knowledge; unduly curious
inquisitor =questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition
inroad= hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity
insalubrious= unwholesome; not healthful
insatiable =not easily satisfied; unquenchable
inscrutable =difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious
insensate =without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
insensible =unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive
insidious= treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading harmfully in a stealthy manner
insightful =discerning; perceptive
insinuate= hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce
insipid =lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull
insolence= impudent disrespect; haughtiness
insolvent =bankrupt; lacking money to pay
insomnia= wakefulness; inability to sleep
insouciant= without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent
instigate= start; urge; provoke; incite
institute =organization for a special purpose
institution= instituting; (building for the) organization; established custom
institutionalize= make into an institution; put or confine in an institution
insubordination= disobedience; rebelliousness
insubstantial =lacking substance; insignificant
insularity= narrow-mindedness; isolation
insular =of an island; isolated; narrow-minded
insuperable= insurmountable; unbeatable
insurgent =rebellious
insurmountable =overwhelming; unbeatable; insuperable
insurrection =rebellion; uprising
intangible =not able to be perceived by touch; vague
integral =complete; necessary for completeness
integrate =make whole; combine; make into one unit
integrity =honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole and undivided
intellect= higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability
intelligentsia =intellectuals; members of the educated elite
inter= bury
interdict= prohibit; forbid
interim =meantime
interjection =exclamation
interloper= intruder; one who interferes
intermediary= intermediate; acting as a mediator
interminable =endless
intermittent =periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at intervals
internecine= mutually destructive
interpolate= insert between
interregnum =period between two successive reigns or governments
interrogate= question closely; cross-examine; cross-question
interstice= narrow space between things
intervene =come between; interfere
intimate =hint; suggest; imply
intimidate =frighten
intolerant =not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one’s own
intoxicate= make drunk; stimulate or excite
intractable= unruly; difficult to manage
intransigence= refusal of any compromise; stubbornness
Intransigent= uncompromising
intrepid= fearless
intrigue =make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of
intrinsic= essential; inherent; built-in
introspective= looking within oneself
introspection= self-examination
introvert =one who is introspective or inclined to think more about oneself
intrude =put or force in without being asked; trespass
intuition= immediate insight; power of knowing without reasoning
Intuit= know by intuition
inundate= flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely
inured= accustomed; hardened
inure= make used to something undesirable
invalid =one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness
invalidate= weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
invective= abuse
inveigh =denounce; utter censure or invective
inveigle =deceive; lead astray by deception; wheedle(cajole)
inverse =opposite
invert=turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position or condition of
inveterate= deep-rooted; habitual
invidious =designed to create ill will or envy
invincible =unconquerable
inviolable= secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or profanation)
invocation= prayer for help (used in invoking); calling upon as a reference or support
invoke =call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/upon (a higher power or god) for help
invulnerable= incapable of injury
iota =very small quantity
irascible= irritable; easily angered
irate= angry
Ire =anger; wrath
iridescent =exhibiting rainbow like colors
irksome= annoying; tedious
irk= annoy
ironic= expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner
irony =hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to mean the opposite of what they actually mean
irreconcilable= impossible to reconcile; incompatible
irrefutable= indisputable; incontrovertible
irrelevant= not applicable; unrelated
irremediable= incurable
irreparable= not able to be corrected or repaired
irrepressible =unable to be restrained or held back
irreproachable= beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable
irresolute =uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolution; indecisive
irretrievable =impossible to recover or regain
irreverence= lack of proper respect or reverence
irrevocable= unalterable; irreversible; impossible to revoke
isotope =varying from of an element
isthmus= narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land
itinerant =wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work)
itinerary= plan of a trip
J
jab: poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with short blows
jabber :chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
jaded :tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; surfeited; worn out; wearied
jargon :language used by special group; technical terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk
jaundice: medical condition in which the skin, the white part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow
jaundiced :yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful)
jaunt: trip; short journey
jaunty :cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance
jeopardize: endanger; imperil; put at risk
jest :playful remark or act
jetsam: things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)
jettison: throw overboard (from a ship or plane)
jibe: agree; be in harmony with; gibe
jingoist :extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist
jocose: given to(having a tendency of) joking
jocular: said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
jocund: merry
jollity: gaiety; cheerfulness
jostle: shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly
jovial :good-natured; merry; cheerful
jubilation: rejoicing; great joy
judiciary: judicial branch of government
judicious :sound on judgment; wise
jug pitcher :container for holding liquids
juggernaut: irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path
jumble: mix in a confused way
juncture :crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining
junket: trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense
junta: group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power
juridical: of the law and its administration
jurisdiction: right and power to apply the law; authority
jurisprudence: science of law
juxtapose: place side by side
K
L
jabber :chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
jaded :tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; surfeited; worn out; wearied
jargon :language used by special group; technical terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk
jaundice: medical condition in which the skin, the white part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow
jaundiced :yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful)
jaunt: trip; short journey
jaunty :cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance
jeopardize: endanger; imperil; put at risk
jest :playful remark or act
jetsam: things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)
jettison: throw overboard (from a ship or plane)
jibe: agree; be in harmony with; gibe
jingoist :extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist
jocose: given to(having a tendency of) joking
jocular: said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
jocund: merry
jollity: gaiety; cheerfulness
jostle: shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly
jovial :good-natured; merry; cheerful
jubilation: rejoicing; great joy
judiciary: judicial branch of government
judicious :sound on judgment; wise
jug pitcher :container for holding liquids
juggernaut: irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path
jumble: mix in a confused way
juncture :crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining
junket: trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense
junta: group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power
juridical: of the law and its administration
jurisdiction: right and power to apply the law; authority
jurisprudence: science of law
juxtapose: place side by side
K
kaleidoscope: tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of
colored pieces of glass
ken :range of knowledge
kernel :central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)
killjoy :grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils the pleasure of others
kindle :start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse
kindred: related; belonging to the same group; similar in nature or character
kinetic :producing motion; of motion
kismet :fate; destiny
kleptomaniac: person who has a compulsive desire to steal
knack :special talent; art
knave: untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack
knead :mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass (with the hands)
kneel: go down on one’s knee(s)
knell: tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell
knit: contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together closely
knoll: little round hill; hillock
knotty: intricate; difficult; tangled
kudos: honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement
ken :range of knowledge
kernel :central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)
killjoy :grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils the pleasure of others
kindle :start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse
kindred: related; belonging to the same group; similar in nature or character
kinetic :producing motion; of motion
kismet :fate; destiny
kleptomaniac: person who has a compulsive desire to steal
knack :special talent; art
knave: untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack
knead :mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass (with the hands)
kneel: go down on one’s knee(s)
knell: tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell
knit: contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together closely
knoll: little round hill; hillock
knotty: intricate; difficult; tangled
kudos: honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement
L
labile :likely to change; unstable
laborious :demanding much work or care; tedious
labyrinth :maze
lace :cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges (as of a shoe)
laceration :torn ragged wound
lachrymose: producing tears; tearful
lackadaisical :lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
lackluster :lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
laconic: brief and to the point; using few words; terse
lag :move or develop more slowly; straggle
laggard :slow; sluggish
lagoon :shallow body of water or lake near a sea
laity :laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy
lament: grieve; express sorrow
lampoon: ridicule
lance: pierce with a lance; cut into
lancet :small surgical tool for making incisions
languid: lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless
languish: lose animation or strength
languor :lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression
lank: long and thin
lap: take in food or drink with one’s tongue; splash gently
larceny: theft
larder: pantry; place where food is kept
largess: generous gift (given to people who do not have enough)
lascivious :lustful
lassitude :languor; weariness; listlessness
latch: fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch
latent: present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant; hidden
lateral :of or coming from the side
latitude: freedom from narrow limitations
laud: praise
lavish :liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or using; abundant; profuse; great
lax :careless; negligent; not paying enough attention
layman :man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional
leash :restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it)
leaven :add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven
leave-taking: farewell or departure
lechery: gross lewdness; lustfulness
lectern: reading desk or stand for a public speaker
leery: (of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious
leeway: room to move; margin; latitude
legacy :gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor
legato : (of music) played smoothly
legend :explanatory list of symbols on a map
legerdemain :sleight(dexterity) of hand
legislature: legislating branch of government
leniency :mildness; permissiveness
leonine :like a lion
lethal :deadly
lethargic: drowsy; dull
levee: earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding
levitate: rise and float in the air (especially by magical means)
levity :lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness of manner
levy :impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or collect (a tax)
lewd: lustful
lexicographer :compiler of a dictionary
lexicon :dictionary
liability :drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility; condition of being liable
liaison :contact that keeps parties in communication; communication between groups
libel :defamatory written statement; act of writing something that smears a person’s character
libertine :debauched person; dissolute or licentious person
libidinous: lustful
libido: psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire
libretto: text of an opera or oratorio
license official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage
licentious: amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
lien :legal claim or right on a property
ligneous: like wood
Lilliputian :extremely small
limber: flexible; supple; pliable
limbo :region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; prison (slang)
limn :draw; outline; describe
limp:walk lamely
limpid :crystal clear
lineage :descent; ancestry
lineaments: features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face
linger: loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear
linguistic :pertaining to language
lionize :treat (a person) as a celebrity
liquidate: settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up; eliminate
list: tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)
listless: lacking in spirit or energy; languid
litany: supplicating prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words
lithe: flexible; supple
litigation: lawsuit
litotes :understatement for emphasis
litter :waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily)
livid :lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise); ashen; enraged; extremely angry
loath:reluctant; unwilling; disinclined
loathe :detest
lode :metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
loft :room or space under the roof; attic
lofty :very high
log record :of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities; section of a trunk
loiter: hang about/around; stand idly about; linger
loll: lounge about
longevity :long life; long duration
lookout :act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch
loom :appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, indistinct, or distorted form)
lope :gallop slowly
lopsided: heavier or larger on one side than the other
loquacious: talkative
lot :object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land
lottery :contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots
lounge :stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
lout :clumsy person
low moo: make the sound of a cow
lubricate :apply a lubricant to
lucid :easily understood; clear; intelligible
lucrative: profitable; producing wealth
lucre :money; profit
ludicrous:laughable; ridiculous; trifling
lugubrious: mournful; sorrowful
lull :moment of calm; period of reduced activity
lumber: move heavily or clumsily
lumen :unit of light energy (one candle’s worth)
luminary: celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object that gives light (as a celestial body)
luminous: shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light
lunar: pertaining to the moon
lunatic: insane
lurid: wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible
lurk :stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived
luscious: pleasing to taste or smell; delicious
lush : (of a plant or grass) growing very well
lust: intense sexual desire; intense eagerness
luster: shine; gloss (of a polished surface)
lustrous :shining; brilliant
luxuriant: abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts; excessively ornate
luxuriate: take pleasure in great comfort
M
mores =conventions; moral standards; moral customs
morgue= mortuary; place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation
moribund =dying; at the point of death
morose =ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy
mortar= vessel in which substances are crushed with a pestle
mortician =undertaker
mortify= humiliate by embarrassing excessively; shame
mosaic =picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles
mote= small speck (esp. of dust)
motif =theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or literary work
motility= ability to move spontaneously
Motile= moving spontaneously
motley= multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester); heterogeneous
mottled =blotched in coloring; spotted
mottle= mark with blotches of different colors
motto=brief statement used to express a principle
mountebank= charlatan; boastful pretender
muddle =confuse; mix up confusedly
muggy = (of weather) warm and damp
laborious :demanding much work or care; tedious
labyrinth :maze
lace :cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges (as of a shoe)
laceration :torn ragged wound
lachrymose: producing tears; tearful
lackadaisical :lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
lackluster :lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
laconic: brief and to the point; using few words; terse
lag :move or develop more slowly; straggle
laggard :slow; sluggish
lagoon :shallow body of water or lake near a sea
laity :laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy
lament: grieve; express sorrow
lampoon: ridicule
lance: pierce with a lance; cut into
lancet :small surgical tool for making incisions
languid: lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless
languish: lose animation or strength
languor :lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression
lank: long and thin
lap: take in food or drink with one’s tongue; splash gently
larceny: theft
larder: pantry; place where food is kept
largess: generous gift (given to people who do not have enough)
lascivious :lustful
lassitude :languor; weariness; listlessness
latch: fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch
latent: present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant; hidden
lateral :of or coming from the side
latitude: freedom from narrow limitations
laud: praise
lavish :liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or using; abundant; profuse; great
lax :careless; negligent; not paying enough attention
layman :man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional
leash :restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it)
leaven :add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven
leave-taking: farewell or departure
lechery: gross lewdness; lustfulness
lectern: reading desk or stand for a public speaker
leery: (of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious
leeway: room to move; margin; latitude
legacy :gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor
legato : (of music) played smoothly
legend :explanatory list of symbols on a map
legerdemain :sleight(dexterity) of hand
legislature: legislating branch of government
leniency :mildness; permissiveness
leonine :like a lion
lethal :deadly
lethargic: drowsy; dull
levee: earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding
levitate: rise and float in the air (especially by magical means)
levity :lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness of manner
levy :impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or collect (a tax)
lewd: lustful
lexicographer :compiler of a dictionary
lexicon :dictionary
liability :drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility; condition of being liable
liaison :contact that keeps parties in communication; communication between groups
libel :defamatory written statement; act of writing something that smears a person’s character
libertine :debauched person; dissolute or licentious person
libidinous: lustful
libido: psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire
libretto: text of an opera or oratorio
license official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage
licentious: amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
lien :legal claim or right on a property
ligneous: like wood
Lilliputian :extremely small
limber: flexible; supple; pliable
limbo :region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; prison (slang)
limn :draw; outline; describe
limp:walk lamely
limpid :crystal clear
lineage :descent; ancestry
lineaments: features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face
linger: loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear
linguistic :pertaining to language
lionize :treat (a person) as a celebrity
liquidate: settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up; eliminate
list: tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)
listless: lacking in spirit or energy; languid
litany: supplicating prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words
lithe: flexible; supple
litigation: lawsuit
litotes :understatement for emphasis
litter :waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily)
livid :lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise); ashen; enraged; extremely angry
loath:reluctant; unwilling; disinclined
loathe :detest
lode :metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
loft :room or space under the roof; attic
lofty :very high
log record :of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities; section of a trunk
loiter: hang about/around; stand idly about; linger
loll: lounge about
longevity :long life; long duration
lookout :act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch
loom :appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, indistinct, or distorted form)
lope :gallop slowly
lopsided: heavier or larger on one side than the other
loquacious: talkative
lot :object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land
lottery :contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots
lounge :stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
lout :clumsy person
low moo: make the sound of a cow
lubricate :apply a lubricant to
lucid :easily understood; clear; intelligible
lucrative: profitable; producing wealth
lucre :money; profit
ludicrous:laughable; ridiculous; trifling
lugubrious: mournful; sorrowful
lull :moment of calm; period of reduced activity
lumber: move heavily or clumsily
lumen :unit of light energy (one candle’s worth)
luminary: celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object that gives light (as a celestial body)
luminous: shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light
lunar: pertaining to the moon
lunatic: insane
lurid: wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible
lurk :stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived
luscious: pleasing to taste or smell; delicious
lush : (of a plant or grass) growing very well
lust: intense sexual desire; intense eagerness
luster: shine; gloss (of a polished surface)
lustrous :shining; brilliant
luxuriant: abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts; excessively ornate
luxuriate: take pleasure in great comfort
M
macabre =gruesome; grisly; ghastly
mace =ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority
macerate =soften by soaking in liquid; waste away
Machiavellian =crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli
machinations =evil schemes or plots
maculated =spotted; stained
madrigal =pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments
maelstrom =violent whirlpool
magisterial =authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a magistrate
magistrate =official with power to administer the law
magnanimity= generosity
magnanimous= generous
magnate= person of prominence or influence; powerful or influential person
magniloquent= boastful; pompous
magnitude =greatness (in size or extent); extent
maim= mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple
makeshift =temporary expedient or substitute
maladroit =clumsy; not skillful; awkward
malady= illness
malaise =uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health
malapropism= comic misuse of a word
malapropos= inappropriate
malcontent =person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs
malediction =curse
malefactor =evildoer; criminal
maleficent =doing evil
malevolent =wishing evil; exhibiting ill will
malfeasance =wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public official)
malicious =hateful; spiteful; expressing malice
Malice= desire to harm others; spite
malign =speak evil of; bad-mouth (criticize spitefully)
malignant =tending to cause death; highly injurious
malingerer= one who feigns illness to escape duty
malinger= feign illness to avoid work
malleable= (of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding(beating); pliable
malodorous= foul-smelling
mammal =vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young
mammoth =gigantic; enormous
manacle =restrain; handcuff
mandate =order; charge; authoritative command
mandatory =obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate
maneuver= strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes)
mange =skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair
mangle= tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure
mangy =shabby; wretched; of bad appearance
maniacal= raging mad; insane
maniac= insane person
mania =disorder of the mind; intense enthusiasm
manifest =evident; visible; obvious
manifestation= outward demonstration; manifesting
manifesto =public declaration of principles; statement of policy
manifold =many in number or kind; numerous
manipulate= operate with one’s hands; maneuver
mannered= affected; not natural
mannerism =distinctive behavioral trait
mantle =loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers
manumit= emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
mar =spoil the appearance of
maraud =move in search of plunder
margin =border; room; allowance beyond what is needed
marginal =of a margin; barely within a limit
marital =pertaining to marriage
maritime =bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical
marked= noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack
maroon= leave helpless on a deserted island or coast
marred =damaged; disfigured
marrow= soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells
marshal =put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place
marsupial= one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather)
martial= warlike; of war
martinet =strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders
martyr= one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause
mash= crush into mash; convert into mash
masochist= person who enjoys his own pain
mason =one who builds or works with stone or brick
Masonry= work of a mason; stonework or brickwork
masquerade =wear a mask or disguise; pretend
mass= Christian religious ceremony
Mass= ceremony of the Eucharist
masticate= chew
mat= not shiny; matte; having a dull finish
materialism= preoccupation with physical comforts and things
maternal =motherly
maternity= motherhood
matinee= dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon
matriarch =woman who rules a family or larger social group
matriculate= enroll (in college or graduate school)
matrimony =state of being married
matrix= point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols
maudlin =effusively sentimental
maul =handle roughly; batter; injure by beating
mausoleum =monumental tomb; large stately tomb
mauve =pale purple
maverick =rebel; nonconformist (in a group)
mawkish =mushy(sentimental) and gushy; excessively and objectionably sentimental
maxim =proverb; truth pithily stated
mayhem= injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or crippling a person
meager= scanty; inadequate
mealy-mouthed= indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive
meander =wind or turn in its course
meddlesome= interfering
meddle= interfere
mediate =settle a dispute through the services of an outsider
mediocre =ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad
meditation =reflection; thought
medium= channel of communication, middle position between extremes
medley= mixture
meek =submissive; patient and long-suffering
megalomania= mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder characterized by delusions of wealth
melancholy =gloomy; morose; blue
melee= fight
mellifluous= (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing
memento= token; reminder of the past; keepsake
memoir =memoirs; autobiography; biography
memorial= something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event
memorialize= commemorate
menace =threat
menagerie= collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
mendacious =lying; habitually dishonest
mendicant =beggar
menial =suitable for servants; lowly; mean
mentor =counselor; teacher
mercantile =concerning trade or merchants
mercenary =motivated solely by money or gain
mercurial =capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing the element mercury
meretricious= flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value
merger= combination (of two business corporations); act of merging
merit =deserve
Meritorious= deserving reward or praise
mesmerize =hypnotize
metallurgical= pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores
Metallurgy= science that deals with extracting metals from ores
metamorphosis= change of form
Metamorphose= change by metamorphosis
metaphor= implied comparison
metaphysical =pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics
Metaphysics= branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality
mete =measure; distribute; administer
meteoric= like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant
meter =arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)
methodical =systematic
method= systematic method of procedure
meticulous= excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous
metrical =metric; written in the form of poetry
metropolis =large city
mettle =courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficulties)
miasma =swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter
microcosm= small representative world; world in miniature
migrant =changing its habitat; wandering
migratory =wandering
migrate= move from one region and settle in another
milieu =social environment; means of expression
militant =combative; bellicose
militate =work against
militia =army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers
millennium= thousand-year period
mime =pantomime (act without dialogue)
Mimic= pantomime
mimicry= imitation
minatory =menacing; threatening
mincing =affectedly dainty (delicate)
mince= cut (esp. meat) into very small pieces
mingle= mix together in close association
miniature= small model; small painting
minion =servile dependent; obsequious follower
minuscule= (miniscule) extremely small
minute =extremely small
minutes= official record of the proceedings at a meeting
minutiae= petty or trivial details
mirage= unreal reflection; optical illusion
mire =entangle; stick in swampy ground
mirth= merriment; laughter
misadventure= mischance; ill luck
misanthrope= one who hates mankind
misapprehension =error; misunderstanding
miscellaneous= made up of a variety of parts
miscellany= mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of various items
mischance= ill luck
mischief =behavior (of children) causing trouble with no serious harm
mischievous= causing mischief; playfully troublesome
misconduct= immoral behavior; bad management
misconstrue= interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; misjudge
miscreant =wretch; wrongdoer; villain
misdemeanor= minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing
miserly =stingy; mean
misgivings =doubts
mishap =unfortunate accident
misnomer= wrong or improper name
misogamy= hatred of marriage
misogynist= hater of woman
missile= object to be thrown or projected
missive =letter; written statement
mite= very small object or insect-like creature; small coin
mitigate =appease; moderate; make or become less in force or intensity
mnemonic =pertaining to memory; assisting the memory
mobile =movable; not fixed
mock= ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision
mode =prevailing style; current fashion; way of doing something
modicum= limited quantity; small amount
modish= fashionable; conforming to the current fashion
modulate= tone down in intensity; change the intensity or tone of; regulate
mogul =powerful person
molecule= the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a substance that has all the properties of that substance
mollify =soothe an angry person
mollycoddle= pamper; coddle; baby; indulge excessively
molt =periodically shed or cast off hairs or feathers
molten= melted
momentous =very important
momentum =quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus; moving force
monarchy =government under a single ruler
monastic =related to monks or monasteries; removed from worldly concerns
monetary =pertaining to money
mongrel =plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed
monochromatic= having only one color
monochrome =painting in only one color
monogram =design composed of one or more initials of a name
monograph =scholarly article
monolithic =solidly uniform; unchangeable; unyielding
Monolith= large block of stone
monotheism= belief in one God
monotony= sameness leading to boredom
monumental= massive; impressively large; built as a monument
moodiness= fits of depression or gloomy
moody= given to changeable moods; subject to periods of depression; gloomy
mood= state of mind or emotion
moratorium= legal delay of payment or action
morbid =given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought; moody
mordant=
biting; sarcastic; stinging mace =ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority
macerate =soften by soaking in liquid; waste away
Machiavellian =crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli
machinations =evil schemes or plots
maculated =spotted; stained
madrigal =pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments
maelstrom =violent whirlpool
magisterial =authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a magistrate
magistrate =official with power to administer the law
magnanimity= generosity
magnanimous= generous
magnate= person of prominence or influence; powerful or influential person
magniloquent= boastful; pompous
magnitude =greatness (in size or extent); extent
maim= mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple
makeshift =temporary expedient or substitute
maladroit =clumsy; not skillful; awkward
malady= illness
malaise =uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health
malapropism= comic misuse of a word
malapropos= inappropriate
malcontent =person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs
malediction =curse
malefactor =evildoer; criminal
maleficent =doing evil
malevolent =wishing evil; exhibiting ill will
malfeasance =wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public official)
malicious =hateful; spiteful; expressing malice
Malice= desire to harm others; spite
malign =speak evil of; bad-mouth (criticize spitefully)
malignant =tending to cause death; highly injurious
malingerer= one who feigns illness to escape duty
malinger= feign illness to avoid work
malleable= (of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding(beating); pliable
malodorous= foul-smelling
mammal =vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young
mammoth =gigantic; enormous
manacle =restrain; handcuff
mandate =order; charge; authoritative command
mandatory =obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate
maneuver= strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes)
mange =skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair
mangle= tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure
mangy =shabby; wretched; of bad appearance
maniacal= raging mad; insane
maniac= insane person
mania =disorder of the mind; intense enthusiasm
manifest =evident; visible; obvious
manifestation= outward demonstration; manifesting
manifesto =public declaration of principles; statement of policy
manifold =many in number or kind; numerous
manipulate= operate with one’s hands; maneuver
mannered= affected; not natural
mannerism =distinctive behavioral trait
mantle =loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers
manumit= emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
mar =spoil the appearance of
maraud =move in search of plunder
margin =border; room; allowance beyond what is needed
marginal =of a margin; barely within a limit
marital =pertaining to marriage
maritime =bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical
marked= noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack
maroon= leave helpless on a deserted island or coast
marred =damaged; disfigured
marrow= soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells
marshal =put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place
marsupial= one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather)
martial= warlike; of war
martinet =strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders
martyr= one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause
mash= crush into mash; convert into mash
masochist= person who enjoys his own pain
mason =one who builds or works with stone or brick
Masonry= work of a mason; stonework or brickwork
masquerade =wear a mask or disguise; pretend
mass= Christian religious ceremony
Mass= ceremony of the Eucharist
masticate= chew
mat= not shiny; matte; having a dull finish
materialism= preoccupation with physical comforts and things
maternal =motherly
maternity= motherhood
matinee= dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon
matriarch =woman who rules a family or larger social group
matriculate= enroll (in college or graduate school)
matrimony =state of being married
matrix= point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols
maudlin =effusively sentimental
maul =handle roughly; batter; injure by beating
mausoleum =monumental tomb; large stately tomb
mauve =pale purple
maverick =rebel; nonconformist (in a group)
mawkish =mushy(sentimental) and gushy; excessively and objectionably sentimental
maxim =proverb; truth pithily stated
mayhem= injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or crippling a person
meager= scanty; inadequate
mealy-mouthed= indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive
meander =wind or turn in its course
meddlesome= interfering
meddle= interfere
mediate =settle a dispute through the services of an outsider
mediocre =ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad
meditation =reflection; thought
medium= channel of communication, middle position between extremes
medley= mixture
meek =submissive; patient and long-suffering
megalomania= mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder characterized by delusions of wealth
melancholy =gloomy; morose; blue
melee= fight
mellifluous= (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing
memento= token; reminder of the past; keepsake
memoir =memoirs; autobiography; biography
memorial= something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event
memorialize= commemorate
menace =threat
menagerie= collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
mendacious =lying; habitually dishonest
mendicant =beggar
menial =suitable for servants; lowly; mean
mentor =counselor; teacher
mercantile =concerning trade or merchants
mercenary =motivated solely by money or gain
mercurial =capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing the element mercury
meretricious= flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value
merger= combination (of two business corporations); act of merging
merit =deserve
Meritorious= deserving reward or praise
mesmerize =hypnotize
metallurgical= pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores
Metallurgy= science that deals with extracting metals from ores
metamorphosis= change of form
Metamorphose= change by metamorphosis
metaphor= implied comparison
metaphysical =pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics
Metaphysics= branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality
mete =measure; distribute; administer
meteoric= like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant
meter =arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)
methodical =systematic
method= systematic method of procedure
meticulous= excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous
metrical =metric; written in the form of poetry
metropolis =large city
mettle =courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficulties)
miasma =swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter
microcosm= small representative world; world in miniature
migrant =changing its habitat; wandering
migratory =wandering
migrate= move from one region and settle in another
milieu =social environment; means of expression
militant =combative; bellicose
militate =work against
militia =army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers
millennium= thousand-year period
mime =pantomime (act without dialogue)
Mimic= pantomime
mimicry= imitation
minatory =menacing; threatening
mincing =affectedly dainty (delicate)
mince= cut (esp. meat) into very small pieces
mingle= mix together in close association
miniature= small model; small painting
minion =servile dependent; obsequious follower
minuscule= (miniscule) extremely small
minute =extremely small
minutes= official record of the proceedings at a meeting
minutiae= petty or trivial details
mirage= unreal reflection; optical illusion
mire =entangle; stick in swampy ground
mirth= merriment; laughter
misadventure= mischance; ill luck
misanthrope= one who hates mankind
misapprehension =error; misunderstanding
miscellaneous= made up of a variety of parts
miscellany= mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of various items
mischance= ill luck
mischief =behavior (of children) causing trouble with no serious harm
mischievous= causing mischief; playfully troublesome
misconduct= immoral behavior; bad management
misconstrue= interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; misjudge
miscreant =wretch; wrongdoer; villain
misdemeanor= minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing
miserly =stingy; mean
misgivings =doubts
mishap =unfortunate accident
misnomer= wrong or improper name
misogamy= hatred of marriage
misogynist= hater of woman
missile= object to be thrown or projected
missive =letter; written statement
mite= very small object or insect-like creature; small coin
mitigate =appease; moderate; make or become less in force or intensity
mnemonic =pertaining to memory; assisting the memory
mobile =movable; not fixed
mock= ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision
mode =prevailing style; current fashion; way of doing something
modicum= limited quantity; small amount
modish= fashionable; conforming to the current fashion
modulate= tone down in intensity; change the intensity or tone of; regulate
mogul =powerful person
molecule= the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a substance that has all the properties of that substance
mollify =soothe an angry person
mollycoddle= pamper; coddle; baby; indulge excessively
molt =periodically shed or cast off hairs or feathers
molten= melted
momentous =very important
momentum =quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus; moving force
monarchy =government under a single ruler
monastic =related to monks or monasteries; removed from worldly concerns
monetary =pertaining to money
mongrel =plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed
monochromatic= having only one color
monochrome =painting in only one color
monogram =design composed of one or more initials of a name
monograph =scholarly article
monolithic =solidly uniform; unchangeable; unyielding
Monolith= large block of stone
monotheism= belief in one God
monotony= sameness leading to boredom
monumental= massive; impressively large; built as a monument
moodiness= fits of depression or gloomy
moody= given to changeable moods; subject to periods of depression; gloomy
mood= state of mind or emotion
moratorium= legal delay of payment or action
morbid =given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought; moody
mores =conventions; moral standards; moral customs
morgue= mortuary; place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation
moribund =dying; at the point of death
morose =ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy
mortar= vessel in which substances are crushed with a pestle
mortician =undertaker
mortify= humiliate by embarrassing excessively; shame
mosaic =picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles
mote= small speck (esp. of dust)
motif =theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or literary work
motility= ability to move spontaneously
Motile= moving spontaneously
motley= multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester); heterogeneous
mottled =blotched in coloring; spotted
mottle= mark with blotches of different colors
motto=brief statement used to express a principle
mountebank= charlatan; boastful pretender
muddle =confuse; mix up confusedly
muggy = (of weather) warm and damp
mulct =defraud a person of something; swindle
multifarious= varied; greatly diversified
multiform =having many forms
multilingual= having many languages; fluent in several languages
multiplicity= state of being numerous or multiple; large number
Multiple =of more than one element
mundane =worldly as opposed to spiritual
munificent= very generous in giving
mural= wall painting
murky =dark and gloomy; thick with fog; vague
Murk= partial or complete darkness; gloom
murmur= low, indistinct, continuous sound
muse =ponder at length
musky= having the odor of musk
musk= odorous substance secreted by an Asian deer
muster= gather; assemble (troops)
musty =stale (in odor or taste); spoiled by age
mutability =ability to change in form; fickleness
mutable= able to change; fickle
mute= silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to speak
muted =silent; muffled; toned down
mutilate= maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb
mutinous= unruly; rebellious
mutiny= open rebellion
mutter =utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low tones
myopic =nearsighted; lacking foresight
myriad =very large number
mystic =of hidden meaning and spiritual power
multifarious= varied; greatly diversified
multiform =having many forms
multilingual= having many languages; fluent in several languages
multiplicity= state of being numerous or multiple; large number
Multiple =of more than one element
mundane =worldly as opposed to spiritual
munificent= very generous in giving
mural= wall painting
murky =dark and gloomy; thick with fog; vague
Murk= partial or complete darkness; gloom
murmur= low, indistinct, continuous sound
muse =ponder at length
musky= having the odor of musk
musk= odorous substance secreted by an Asian deer
muster= gather; assemble (troops)
musty =stale (in odor or taste); spoiled by age
mutability =ability to change in form; fickleness
mutable= able to change; fickle
mute= silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to speak
muted =silent; muffled; toned down
mutilate= maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb
mutinous= unruly; rebellious
mutiny= open rebellion
mutter =utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low tones
myopic =nearsighted; lacking foresight
myriad =very large number
mystic =of hidden meaning and spiritual power
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