N
Nadir: lowest point; point on the celestial sphere diametrically
opposite the zenith
naiveté: (naivety) quality of being unsophisticated; simplicity; artlessness; gullibility
narcissist: conceited person
narrative: related to telling a story
nascent :incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex. nascent ability in music
natal: connected with birth
natation :swimming
natty :neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex. natty dresser
nausea: feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust
nauseate: cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea
nauseous: causing nausea; feeling nausea
nautical: pertaining to ships or navigation
navigable: (of a body of water) wide and deep enough to allow ships to pass through
nebula :diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy
nebulous: vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebulous proposal
necromancy: black magic; sorcery; dealings with the dead
nectar :drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
nefarious :very wicked
negate :cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny
negligence: neglect; failure to take reasonable care
negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care
negligible: so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily disregarded
nemesis: someone seeking revenge; source of downfall or ruin
neologism :new or newly coined word or phrase
neophyte: recent convert; new member of a religious group; beginner
nepotism: favoritism (to a relative)
nether :lower; Ex. nether garments/regions
nettle :irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome
nexus :connection
nib: beak(bill); pen point
nicety: precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference
niggardly: meanly stingy; parsimonious
niggle :spend too much time on minor points (esp. when finding fault); find fault
nihilist:one who considers traditional beliefs to be groundless and existence meaningless
nihilism: belief that nothing has meaning or value; belief that destruction of existing political or social institution
nimble :quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding
naiveté: (naivety) quality of being unsophisticated; simplicity; artlessness; gullibility
narcissist: conceited person
narrative: related to telling a story
nascent :incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex. nascent ability in music
natal: connected with birth
natation :swimming
natty :neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex. natty dresser
nausea: feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust
nauseate: cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea
nauseous: causing nausea; feeling nausea
nautical: pertaining to ships or navigation
navigable: (of a body of water) wide and deep enough to allow ships to pass through
nebula :diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy
nebulous: vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebulous proposal
necromancy: black magic; sorcery; dealings with the dead
nectar :drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
nefarious :very wicked
negate :cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny
negligence: neglect; failure to take reasonable care
negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care
negligible: so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily disregarded
nemesis: someone seeking revenge; source of downfall or ruin
neologism :new or newly coined word or phrase
neophyte: recent convert; new member of a religious group; beginner
nepotism: favoritism (to a relative)
nether :lower; Ex. nether garments/regions
nettle :irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome
nexus :connection
nib: beak(bill); pen point
nicety: precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference
niggardly: meanly stingy; parsimonious
niggle :spend too much time on minor points (esp. when finding fault); find fault
nihilist:one who considers traditional beliefs to be groundless and existence meaningless
nihilism: belief that nothing has meaning or value; belief that destruction of existing political or social institution
nimble :quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding
nip :snip off; stop something’s growth or
development; bite; make numb with cold
nirvana: in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which the
individual loses himself
nocturnal :done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal animals/raids
nocturnal :done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal animals/raids
noisome :foul smelling; very unpleasant;
unwholesome
nomadic: wandering; N. nomad: tribe who migrates from place to
place
nomenclature :terminology(system of specialized words); system of names or naming things
nomenclature :terminology(system of specialized words); system of names or naming things
nominal: in name only; of a name; trifling; (of a sum of money)
very small
nonchalance :indifference; lack of concern; composure
nonchalance :indifference; lack of concern; composure
noncommittal: neutral; refusing commitment to a
particular opinion; unpledged; undecided
nondescript :indistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking; Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd
nondescript :indistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking; Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd
nonentity: person of no importance; nonexistence
nonplus: put at a loss; bring to a halt by confusion; perplex
nonsense: speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language
noose: loop formed in a rope
nostalgia:homesickness; longing for the past
nostrum :questionable medicine; quack medicine
nonplus: put at a loss; bring to a halt by confusion; perplex
nonsense: speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language
noose: loop formed in a rope
nostalgia:homesickness; longing for the past
nostrum :questionable medicine; quack medicine
notable :conspicuous; worthy of note; remarkable;
important; distinguished; noted
notch :V-shaped cut in a surface
notoriety :disrepute; ill fame
nourish :provide with food necessary for life and
growth
nourishment: something that nourishes; food
nova :star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then returns to its original brightness
nova :star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then returns to its original brightness
novelty: something new; newness
novice :beginner
novice :beginner
noxious :harmful
nuance: shade of slight difference in meaning or color; subtle
distinction
nubile :marriageable; of marriageable age
nubile :marriageable; of marriageable age
nugatory :worthless; futile
nullify: make invalid; make null; invalidate
numismatist :person who collects coins
numismatist :person who collects coins
nuptial :related to marriage or the wedding
ceremony
nurse: suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind
nurture :nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is growing or developing; foster; cultivate
nurture :nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is growing or developing; foster; cultivate
nutrient: nourishing substance
nutrition :process of nourishing or being nourished
nutrition :process of nourishing or being nourished
nutritious: providing nourishment
O
oaf: stupid awkward person
O
oaf: stupid awkward person
oath :solemn promise; blasphemous use of sacred words to express
strong feelings; swear-word
oatmeal :crushed oats used for making porridge
obdurate :stubborn; refusing to change one’s belief
obeisance: bow (to show respect and obedience)
obelisk :tall column tapering(becoming gradually narrower toward the end) and ending in a pyramid
obese :excessively fat
obfuscate: confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult to understand
obituary :death notice (esp. in a newspaper)
objective: not influenced by emotions; fair
obligatory :binding; required; compulsory
oblige: constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate
oblique: indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line)
obliterate :destroy completely; wipe out
oblivion: obscurity; condition of being completely forgotten; forgetfulness
oblivious: inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly absorbed; forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)
obloquy :slander; disgrace; infamy
obnoxious :offensive; disagreeable
obscure: dark; vague; unclear; not well known
obsequious: slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile compliance; sycophantic
obsequy: funeral ceremony
obsessive :related to thinking about something constantly; of an obsession; preoccupying
Obsession : compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea; compulsive idea
obsess : preoccupy the mind of excessively
obsidian :black volcanic rock
obsolete: outmoded; no longer used
obstetrician :physician specializing in delivery(assisting in giving birth) of babies
obstinate: stubborn; hard to control or treat
obstreperous: boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
obtrude :push (oneself or one’s ideas) forward or intrude; impose (oneself or one’s ideas) on others; butt in
obtuse: blunt; not sharp; stupid; slow in understanding
obviate: make unnecessary; get rid of
Occident: the West
occlude: shut; close; obstruct
Occult :mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human comprehension
oculist :physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes
odds :chances; probability; disagreement
odious: arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred); vile
odium: detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness; disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)
odoriferous: giving off an odor
odorous: having an odor
odyssey: long, eventful, adventurous journey
offensive: attacking; insulting; distasteful
offend: violate; hurt the feelings of
offense : offending; violating of a moral or social code; crime; attack
offhand :casual; done without prior thought or preparation
officious: meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one’s services; overly eager in offering unwanted services
ogle: look at amorously; make eyes at
olfactory: concerning the sense of smell
oligarchy: government by a privileged few
ominous :threatening; of an evil omen
omnipotent :all-powerful; having unlimited power
omnipresent: universally present; ubiquitous
omniscient: all-knowing
omnivorous :eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything
onerous :burdensome onomatopoeia: words formed in imitation of natural sounds
onslaught :vicious assault; fierce attack
onus: burden; responsibility
ooze: (of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly
opalescent: iridescent; lustrous; like an opal
opaque :dark; not transparent
opiate :medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain; something that relieves emotions or causes inaction; sleep-producing drug containing opium
opportune: timely; well-chosen
opportunist: individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances
opprobrium :infamy; disgrace arising from shameful conduct; vilification(slander); scorn; contempt
Opprobrious: expressing contempt; shameful or infamous
optician: maker and seller of eyeglasses
optimist : person who looks on the bright side
optimum : most favorable; optimal
optional: not compulsory; left to one’s choice
Option: act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose
optometrist :one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects
opulence: extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance
opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant
opus :work (esp. musical composition)
oracular :of an oracle; prophetic; uttered as if with divine authority; mysterious or ambiguous; hard to understand
orator :public speaker
oratorio :dramatic poem set to music; long musical work with singing but without acting
ordain :decree or command; grant holy orders; predestine; install as a minister, priest, or rabbi
ordeal :severe trial or affliction; difficult experience; trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction
ordinance :decree; authoritative order
ordination :ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony of ordaining a priest
orgy :wild drunken revelry; unrestrained indulgence in an activity
orient :get one’s bearings; adjust; make familiar with a situation; orientate
orientation :act of finding oneself in society; orienting
orifice :mouth like opening; small opening (esp. to a cavern or passage of the body)
ornate :excessively or elaborately decorated
ornithologist :scientific student of birds
ornithology: scientific study of birds
orthodox :traditional; (of someone) conservative in belief; adhering to an established doctrine
orthography: correct spelling
oscillate :vibrate pendulum like; waver
osseous :made of bone; bony
ossify :change or harden into bone; become hard and unchanging in one’s ideas
ostensible :apparent; appearing as such; professed(pretended); pretended
ostentatious :showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious
ostracize :banish from a group; exclude from public favor; ban
oust expel :drive out; force out
outcast :one that has been excluded from a society
outfit :clothing or equipment for a special purpose
outgoing :sociable; eager to mix socially with others
outlandish :bizarre; peculiar; unconventional
outlaw :fugitive from the law (excluded from legal protection)
outlook: point of view; view from a particular place; expectation for the future; prospect
outmoded: no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish; old-fashioned
outrage :act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful anger
outrageous: offensive
outskirts: fringes; outer borders (as of a city)
outspoken :candid; blunt
outstrip :outrun; surpass; outdo
outwit: outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly
ovation :enthusiastic applause
overbearing :bossy; domineering and arrogant; decisively important
overbear: dominate
overblown: inflated; exaggerated
oversee :watch over and direct; supervise
overt :open to view; public; not secret
overthrow :topple
overture: musical introduction to a long musical piece; first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an agreement)
overturn :turn over; capsize; topple
overweening :arrogant; presumptuous
overwhelm : (of water) cover completely; defeat completely by much greater force
overwrought :nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up
ovoid :egg-shaped
P
Q
S
oatmeal :crushed oats used for making porridge
obdurate :stubborn; refusing to change one’s belief
obeisance: bow (to show respect and obedience)
obelisk :tall column tapering(becoming gradually narrower toward the end) and ending in a pyramid
obese :excessively fat
obfuscate: confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult to understand
obituary :death notice (esp. in a newspaper)
objective: not influenced by emotions; fair
obligatory :binding; required; compulsory
oblige: constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate
oblique: indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line)
obliterate :destroy completely; wipe out
oblivion: obscurity; condition of being completely forgotten; forgetfulness
oblivious: inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly absorbed; forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)
obloquy :slander; disgrace; infamy
obnoxious :offensive; disagreeable
obscure: dark; vague; unclear; not well known
obsequious: slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile compliance; sycophantic
obsequy: funeral ceremony
obsessive :related to thinking about something constantly; of an obsession; preoccupying
Obsession : compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea; compulsive idea
obsess : preoccupy the mind of excessively
obsidian :black volcanic rock
obsolete: outmoded; no longer used
obstetrician :physician specializing in delivery(assisting in giving birth) of babies
obstinate: stubborn; hard to control or treat
obstreperous: boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
obtrude :push (oneself or one’s ideas) forward or intrude; impose (oneself or one’s ideas) on others; butt in
obtuse: blunt; not sharp; stupid; slow in understanding
obviate: make unnecessary; get rid of
Occident: the West
occlude: shut; close; obstruct
Occult :mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human comprehension
oculist :physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes
odds :chances; probability; disagreement
odious: arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred); vile
odium: detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness; disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)
odoriferous: giving off an odor
odorous: having an odor
odyssey: long, eventful, adventurous journey
offensive: attacking; insulting; distasteful
offend: violate; hurt the feelings of
offense : offending; violating of a moral or social code; crime; attack
offhand :casual; done without prior thought or preparation
officious: meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one’s services; overly eager in offering unwanted services
ogle: look at amorously; make eyes at
olfactory: concerning the sense of smell
oligarchy: government by a privileged few
ominous :threatening; of an evil omen
omnipotent :all-powerful; having unlimited power
omnipresent: universally present; ubiquitous
omniscient: all-knowing
omnivorous :eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything
onerous :burdensome onomatopoeia: words formed in imitation of natural sounds
onslaught :vicious assault; fierce attack
onus: burden; responsibility
ooze: (of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly
opalescent: iridescent; lustrous; like an opal
opaque :dark; not transparent
opiate :medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain; something that relieves emotions or causes inaction; sleep-producing drug containing opium
opportune: timely; well-chosen
opportunist: individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances
opprobrium :infamy; disgrace arising from shameful conduct; vilification(slander); scorn; contempt
Opprobrious: expressing contempt; shameful or infamous
optician: maker and seller of eyeglasses
optimist : person who looks on the bright side
optimum : most favorable; optimal
optional: not compulsory; left to one’s choice
Option: act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose
optometrist :one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects
opulence: extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance
opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant
opus :work (esp. musical composition)
oracular :of an oracle; prophetic; uttered as if with divine authority; mysterious or ambiguous; hard to understand
orator :public speaker
oratorio :dramatic poem set to music; long musical work with singing but without acting
ordain :decree or command; grant holy orders; predestine; install as a minister, priest, or rabbi
ordeal :severe trial or affliction; difficult experience; trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction
ordinance :decree; authoritative order
ordination :ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony of ordaining a priest
orgy :wild drunken revelry; unrestrained indulgence in an activity
orient :get one’s bearings; adjust; make familiar with a situation; orientate
orientation :act of finding oneself in society; orienting
orifice :mouth like opening; small opening (esp. to a cavern or passage of the body)
ornate :excessively or elaborately decorated
ornithologist :scientific student of birds
ornithology: scientific study of birds
orthodox :traditional; (of someone) conservative in belief; adhering to an established doctrine
orthography: correct spelling
oscillate :vibrate pendulum like; waver
osseous :made of bone; bony
ossify :change or harden into bone; become hard and unchanging in one’s ideas
ostensible :apparent; appearing as such; professed(pretended); pretended
ostentatious :showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious
ostracize :banish from a group; exclude from public favor; ban
oust expel :drive out; force out
outcast :one that has been excluded from a society
outfit :clothing or equipment for a special purpose
outgoing :sociable; eager to mix socially with others
outlandish :bizarre; peculiar; unconventional
outlaw :fugitive from the law (excluded from legal protection)
outlook: point of view; view from a particular place; expectation for the future; prospect
outmoded: no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish; old-fashioned
outrage :act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful anger
outrageous: offensive
outskirts: fringes; outer borders (as of a city)
outspoken :candid; blunt
outstrip :outrun; surpass; outdo
outwit: outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly
ovation :enthusiastic applause
overbearing :bossy; domineering and arrogant; decisively important
overbear: dominate
overblown: inflated; exaggerated
oversee :watch over and direct; supervise
overt :open to view; public; not secret
overthrow :topple
overture: musical introduction to a long musical piece; first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an agreement)
overturn :turn over; capsize; topple
overweening :arrogant; presumptuous
overwhelm : (of water) cover completely; defeat completely by much greater force
overwrought :nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up
ovoid :egg-shaped
P
Pachyderm: thick-skinned animal
pacifist: one opposed to force; antimilitarist
pacifism : opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes
pacify: soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to
padre: chaplain (in the armed forces)
paean: song of praise or joy
painstaking: taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care; very careful and through
palatable :agreeable; pleasing to the taste
palate :roof of the mouth; sense of the taste
palatial :of or suitable for a palace; magnificent
paleontology: study of prehistoric life or fossils
palette:board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring matters)
palimpsest :parchment or piece of writing material used for second time after original writing has been erased
pall :become boring; grow tiresome
pallet: small poor bed
palliate: ease pain (without curing); make less severe or offensive (a crime or illness)
pallid :pale; wan
palm :conceal in the palm of the hand; palm off: pass off
palpable: tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious
palpitate :throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble
paltry :insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible
pan :criticize harshly
panacea :cure-all; remedy for all diseases
panache: flair; manner of doing things without any difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of feathers (on a helmet)
pandemic: widespread; affecting the majority of people
Pandemonium :wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder
pander: cater to (the low desires of others)
panegyric: formal praise; encomium
Pang: sudden sharp feeling of pain
panoramic: denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view
panorama : unbroken view of a wide area
pantomime: acting without dialogue
papyrus :ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant
parable: short simple story teaching a moral
paradigm: model; example that serves as a model; pattern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word
paradox: something apparently contradictory in nature (that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks false but is actually correct
paragon: model of perfection
parallel: similar; analogous; corresponding
parallelism :state of being parallel; similarity; analogy
parameter: limit; independent variable
paramount :foremost in importance; supreme
paramour :illicit lover
paranoia: psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution
paranoid: paranoiac
paraphernalia : equipment; odds and ends used in a particular activity; personal belongings
paraphrase: restate a passage in one’s own words while retaining thought of author
parasite : animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant
parched: extremely dry; very thirsty
parch : make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)
parchment: writing material made from the skin of a sheep or goat
pare :cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife); trim
pariah :social outcast
parish :area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church
parity: equality; close resemblance
parlance: language; manner of speaking; idiom
parley: conference (between opponents)
parochial: narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related to parishes
parody: humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty
paroxysm :fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden outburst
parquet :floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter
parry :ward off a blow; deflect
parsimony :stinginess; excessive frugality
partial :incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a liking for something
partiality :state of being partial; inclination; favorable bias; special fondness; preference
partisan: one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with dislike of any others)
partition :divide into parts
parvenu :upstart; newly rich person
passé :old-fashioned; past the prime
pass :off present falsely; represent falsely to be
passive: not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance
paste: smooth viscous mixture as of flour(powder made by crushing grain) and water (used as an adhesive)
pastiche: imitation of another’s style in musical composition or in writing
pastoral rural: of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor
pastry :paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)
patent :obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of or protected by a patent
pathetic: causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching
pathological :pertaining to disease
pathos :tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings
patina :green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone slowly taken by varnished painting
patois: local or provincial dialect
patriarch :father and ruler of a family or tribe
patrician :noble; aristocratic
patrimony: property inherited from a father
patronize :support; act superior toward; treat in a condescending manner; be a customer of
patron: one that supports; regular customer
pacifist: one opposed to force; antimilitarist
pacifism : opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes
pacify: soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to
padre: chaplain (in the armed forces)
paean: song of praise or joy
painstaking: taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care; very careful and through
palatable :agreeable; pleasing to the taste
palate :roof of the mouth; sense of the taste
palatial :of or suitable for a palace; magnificent
paleontology: study of prehistoric life or fossils
palette:board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring matters)
palimpsest :parchment or piece of writing material used for second time after original writing has been erased
pall :become boring; grow tiresome
pallet: small poor bed
palliate: ease pain (without curing); make less severe or offensive (a crime or illness)
pallid :pale; wan
palm :conceal in the palm of the hand; palm off: pass off
palpable: tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious
palpitate :throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble
paltry :insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible
pan :criticize harshly
panacea :cure-all; remedy for all diseases
panache: flair; manner of doing things without any difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of feathers (on a helmet)
pandemic: widespread; affecting the majority of people
Pandemonium :wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder
pander: cater to (the low desires of others)
panegyric: formal praise; encomium
Pang: sudden sharp feeling of pain
panoramic: denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view
panorama : unbroken view of a wide area
pantomime: acting without dialogue
papyrus :ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant
parable: short simple story teaching a moral
paradigm: model; example that serves as a model; pattern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word
paradox: something apparently contradictory in nature (that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks false but is actually correct
paragon: model of perfection
parallel: similar; analogous; corresponding
parallelism :state of being parallel; similarity; analogy
parameter: limit; independent variable
paramount :foremost in importance; supreme
paramour :illicit lover
paranoia: psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution
paranoid: paranoiac
paraphernalia : equipment; odds and ends used in a particular activity; personal belongings
paraphrase: restate a passage in one’s own words while retaining thought of author
parasite : animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant
parched: extremely dry; very thirsty
parch : make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)
parchment: writing material made from the skin of a sheep or goat
pare :cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife); trim
pariah :social outcast
parish :area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church
parity: equality; close resemblance
parlance: language; manner of speaking; idiom
parley: conference (between opponents)
parochial: narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related to parishes
parody: humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty
paroxysm :fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden outburst
parquet :floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter
parry :ward off a blow; deflect
parsimony :stinginess; excessive frugality
partial :incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a liking for something
partiality :state of being partial; inclination; favorable bias; special fondness; preference
partisan: one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with dislike of any others)
partition :divide into parts
parvenu :upstart; newly rich person
passé :old-fashioned; past the prime
pass :off present falsely; represent falsely to be
passive: not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance
paste: smooth viscous mixture as of flour(powder made by crushing grain) and water (used as an adhesive)
pastiche: imitation of another’s style in musical composition or in writing
pastoral rural: of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor
pastry :paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)
patent :obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of or protected by a patent
pathetic: causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching
pathological :pertaining to disease
pathos :tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings
patina :green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone slowly taken by varnished painting
patois: local or provincial dialect
patriarch :father and ruler of a family or tribe
patrician :noble; aristocratic
patrimony: property inherited from a father
patronize :support; act superior toward; treat in a condescending manner; be a customer of
patron: one that supports; regular customer
paucity : scarcity; dearth
pauper: very poor person
peccadillo :slight offense or fault
pecuniary :pertaining to money
pedagogue :teacher
pedagogy :teaching; art of education
pedant :scholar who overemphasizes book learning, trivial details of learning, or technicalities
pedantic :bookish; showing off learning; marked by an excessive ostentatious concern for book learning
peddle :travel about selling (wares)
pedestal :support or base as for a pillar or statue
pedestrian :ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in imagination); going on foot
pediatrician: physician specializing in children’s diseases
pedigree: ancestry; lineage
peer :one who has equal standing
with another; nobleman
peccadillo :slight offense or fault
pecuniary :pertaining to money
pedagogue :teacher
pedagogy :teaching; art of education
pedant :scholar who overemphasizes book learning, trivial details of learning, or technicalities
pedantic :bookish; showing off learning; marked by an excessive ostentatious concern for book learning
peddle :travel about selling (wares)
pedestal :support or base as for a pillar or statue
pedestrian :ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in imagination); going on foot
pediatrician: physician specializing in children’s diseases
pedigree: ancestry; lineage
peer :one who has equal standing
with another; nobleman
peerless :having no equal; incomparable
peevish: bad-tempered; irritable
peeve: make angry
pejorative : (of a word or phrase) suggesting that someone is of little value; negative in connotation; having a belittling effect
pell-mell :in confusion; disorderly
pellucid :transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in meaning; easy to understand
pen :fenced enclosure for animals; confining space
penance :self-imposed punishment for sin
penchant :strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something that is disapproved of by other people)
pendant: (pendent) hanging down from something; pending
Pending: not yet decided or settled; impending
pendulous: hanging; suspended
penetrate: enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the inner significance of; understand
penitent :repentant
penology :study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation
pensive :dreamily or deeply thoughtful; sadly thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness; contemplative
penumbra :partial shadow (in an eclipse)
penury: extreme poverty; stinginess
penurious: very poor; stingy
peon :landless agricultural worker; bond servant; menial worker
perceptive :insightful; showing a good ability at perceiving and understanding; aware; wise; of perception
percussion :striking one object against another sharply
perdition :damnation; complete ruin; hell
peregrination :journey
peremptory : demanding and leaving no choice; imperative
perennial : something long-lasting; perennial plant
perfidious : treacherous; disloyal
perfidy: treachery
perforate :pierce; put a hole through
perfunctory :done routinely and with little care; superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care
perigee: point of moon’s orbit when it is nearest the earth
perimeter :outer boundary; length of the outer boundary; circumference
peripatetic :walking about from place to place (to work); moving
peripheral :of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance; not central
periphery :outside edge especially of a round surface; perimeter
perjury :false testimony while under oath
perjure : oneself: testify falsely under oath
permeable : that can be permeated; penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass through
Permeate : spread or flow throughout; charge
permissive : allowing much freedom; lenient
pernicious : very harmful; deadly; very destructive
peroration : conclusion of an oration; perorating
perorate: conclude a speech; speak at great length
perpetrate :commit an offense; do (something wrong)
perpetual :everlasting
perpetuate: make perpetual; make something last for a long time; preserve from extinction
perquisite: (perk) any gain above stipulated salary
persevere: continue steadily in spite of difficulties
persist :continue in existence; last; continue in a course of action in spite of opposition
personable :attractive (in personality or appearance)
personify :represent (an inanimate object) as a person; be the embodiment or perfect example of
perspicacious : (of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute
perspicuity :clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity
perspicuous : (of something) plainly expressed; easy to understand
pert: (esp. of a girl or young woman) impertinent; forward; trim; jaunty
pertinacious :holding tenaciously to an action; stubborn; persistent
pertinent :suitable; to the point; relevant
perturb :disturb greatly
peruse :read through with care
pervasive: spread throughout
pervade: (of smells, ideas, feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate
perverse :purposely continuing to do something wrong; stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted
perversion: corruption; turning from right to wrong
pervert :corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse
pessimism: belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess; tendency to take the gloomiest possible view of a situation
pestilential : (pestilent) causing plague; tending to cause death
pestilence: fatal epidemic disease (esp. bubonic plague)
pestle: tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard bowl or mortar
petrify:turn to stone; cause to become stone like; stun or paralyze
petty: trivial; unimportant; very small; small-minded; petty-minded
petulant :touchy; peevish; ill-tempered
phalanx: formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears; group of men packed together
pharisaical: pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical
Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law (considering themselves very holy); hypocritical self-righteous person
phenomena :observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation
Phenomenon: observable fact; very unusual person, thing, or event; marvel; wonder
Phenomenal: very unusual; extraordinary; of a phenomenon
philanderer: faithless lover; flirt
philanthropist: lover of mankind; doer of good
philatelist : stamp-collector
Philately: stamp collecting
Philistine :narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain; uncultured person who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; member of an ancient people in Palestine
philology : study of language or words
phlegmatic: calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed
phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract
phobia: morbid fear
phoenix :symbol of immortality or rebirth
phylum :major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom and above a class; division
physiognomy: face (as showing the character and the mind); art of judging human character from facial features
physiological :pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms
piebald :of different colors; mottled; spotted in different colors (esp. in black and white)
piecemeal: one part at a time; gradually; in stages
pied :piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored
piety :devoutness; reverence for God
pigment: coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with water or oil)
pilfer: steal things of small value; filch; snitch
pillage: plunder
pillory :punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule
pinch :squeeze between the thumb and a finger, or other edges
pine :long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline
pinion :restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs
pinnace :small boat
pinnacle: peak; highest point; acme
pious: devout; religious
piquant :pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimulating
pique :irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss in a contest)
piscatorial: pertaining to fishing
pitfall :hidden danger; concealed trap
pith :core or marrow; sponge like substance in the center of stems; essence; substance
pithy :concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty
pittance :small amount (of money); small allowance or wage
pivotal :of a pivot; central; critical; crucial
placate :pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease
placebo: harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill
placid :peaceful; calm
plagiarize: steal another’s ideas or writings and pass them off as one’s own
plaintive :expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive song
plait: braid; intertwine; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together
plane :carpenter’s tool for smoothing and leveling wood
plaster :paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls
plasticity :ability to be molded
plastic: capable of being shaped or molded
platitude: trite remark; commonplace statement
platonic: purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire
plaudit: praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or series) of applause
plausible: conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious
plebeian: common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people
plebiscite: direct vote by the entire electorate (on an important issue)
plenary: (of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members
plenitude :abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness; fullness
plethora: excess; overabundance
pliable :flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable
pliant: flexible; easily influenced
plight :difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad state or condition); predicament
ploy: stratagem to gain an advantage; tactic
pluck: courage
plucky: courageous; brave
plumage :feathers of a bird
plumb :exactly vertical
plumber :one who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing(pipes)
plume: feather, esp. large or showy one; something that rises into the air (like the shape of a feather)
plummet :fall sharply; fall straight down
plump :pleasantly fat; nicely rounded
plutocracy:society ruled by the wealthy
podiatrist :doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist
podium :pedestal; raised platform
poignancy: quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion
poignant : touching; deeply moving
poise :good judgment with composure; balance
polar :of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes
polarity:state of having two opposite qualities
polarize: split into opposite extremes or camps
polemic :attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or refutation; argument in support of point of view
polemics: art of debate or controversy
polemical(polemic) :aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)
politic :prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised
polity: (particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state
polygamist: one who has more than one spouse at a time
polyglot: speaking several languages; multilingual
pomposity: self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt(pompous person)
Pompous: self-important
ponderous: having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking lightness; dull
pontifical: pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious
Pontiff: pope; bishop
pore : study industriously; ponder; scrutinize
porous: full of pores; like a sieve
porridge: soft food made by boiling oatmeal
portend: foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of
portent: sign; omen; forewarning
portly :stout; corpulent
pose :assume a particular posture; put forward; present; affect a particular attitude (to impress others)
poseur :person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses
posterity :descendants; future generations
posthumous :after death (as of child born after father’s death or book published after author’s death); coming or occurring after one’s death
postmortem :autopsy
postulate :self-evident truth; something assumed without proof
posture: assume an affected pose; act artificially
potable: suitable for drinking; drinkable
potent :powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential
potentate :monarch; sovereign
potential :expressing possibility; latent
potion :dose (of liquids); liquid dose
potpourri :heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a room)
poultice: soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body
précis: abstract; concise summing up of main points; concise summary of a text
practicable: feasible
practical :based on experience; of or acquired through practice (rather than theory)
pragmatic: practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with practical worth or impact of something
pragmatist: practical person
pragmatism: pragmatic way of dealing with things
prance: move about in a spirited manner (proudly and confidently)
prank: mischievous trick
prate: talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly
prattle: talk idly; babble
preamble: introductory statement
precarious :unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky
precedent :preceding (in time, rank, etc.)
precept :practical rule guiding conduct
precinct :division of a city for election or police purposes; precincts: space that surrounds a building
precipice :cliff; dangerous position
precipitant: something that causes a substance in a chemical solution to separate out in solid form
peevish: bad-tempered; irritable
peeve: make angry
pejorative : (of a word or phrase) suggesting that someone is of little value; negative in connotation; having a belittling effect
pell-mell :in confusion; disorderly
pellucid :transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in meaning; easy to understand
pen :fenced enclosure for animals; confining space
penance :self-imposed punishment for sin
penchant :strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something that is disapproved of by other people)
pendant: (pendent) hanging down from something; pending
Pending: not yet decided or settled; impending
pendulous: hanging; suspended
penetrate: enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the inner significance of; understand
penitent :repentant
penology :study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation
pensive :dreamily or deeply thoughtful; sadly thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness; contemplative
penumbra :partial shadow (in an eclipse)
penury: extreme poverty; stinginess
penurious: very poor; stingy
peon :landless agricultural worker; bond servant; menial worker
perceptive :insightful; showing a good ability at perceiving and understanding; aware; wise; of perception
percussion :striking one object against another sharply
perdition :damnation; complete ruin; hell
peregrination :journey
peremptory : demanding and leaving no choice; imperative
perennial : something long-lasting; perennial plant
perfidious : treacherous; disloyal
perfidy: treachery
perforate :pierce; put a hole through
perfunctory :done routinely and with little care; superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care
perigee: point of moon’s orbit when it is nearest the earth
perimeter :outer boundary; length of the outer boundary; circumference
peripatetic :walking about from place to place (to work); moving
peripheral :of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance; not central
periphery :outside edge especially of a round surface; perimeter
perjury :false testimony while under oath
perjure : oneself: testify falsely under oath
permeable : that can be permeated; penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass through
Permeate : spread or flow throughout; charge
permissive : allowing much freedom; lenient
pernicious : very harmful; deadly; very destructive
peroration : conclusion of an oration; perorating
perorate: conclude a speech; speak at great length
perpetrate :commit an offense; do (something wrong)
perpetual :everlasting
perpetuate: make perpetual; make something last for a long time; preserve from extinction
perquisite: (perk) any gain above stipulated salary
persevere: continue steadily in spite of difficulties
persist :continue in existence; last; continue in a course of action in spite of opposition
personable :attractive (in personality or appearance)
personify :represent (an inanimate object) as a person; be the embodiment or perfect example of
perspicacious : (of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute
perspicuity :clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity
perspicuous : (of something) plainly expressed; easy to understand
pert: (esp. of a girl or young woman) impertinent; forward; trim; jaunty
pertinacious :holding tenaciously to an action; stubborn; persistent
pertinent :suitable; to the point; relevant
perturb :disturb greatly
peruse :read through with care
pervasive: spread throughout
pervade: (of smells, ideas, feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate
perverse :purposely continuing to do something wrong; stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted
perversion: corruption; turning from right to wrong
pervert :corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse
pessimism: belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess; tendency to take the gloomiest possible view of a situation
pestilential : (pestilent) causing plague; tending to cause death
pestilence: fatal epidemic disease (esp. bubonic plague)
pestle: tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard bowl or mortar
petrify:turn to stone; cause to become stone like; stun or paralyze
petty: trivial; unimportant; very small; small-minded; petty-minded
petulant :touchy; peevish; ill-tempered
phalanx: formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears; group of men packed together
pharisaical: pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical
Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law (considering themselves very holy); hypocritical self-righteous person
phenomena :observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation
Phenomenon: observable fact; very unusual person, thing, or event; marvel; wonder
Phenomenal: very unusual; extraordinary; of a phenomenon
philanderer: faithless lover; flirt
philanthropist: lover of mankind; doer of good
philatelist : stamp-collector
Philately: stamp collecting
Philistine :narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain; uncultured person who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; member of an ancient people in Palestine
philology : study of language or words
phlegmatic: calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed
phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract
phobia: morbid fear
phoenix :symbol of immortality or rebirth
phylum :major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom and above a class; division
physiognomy: face (as showing the character and the mind); art of judging human character from facial features
physiological :pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms
piebald :of different colors; mottled; spotted in different colors (esp. in black and white)
piecemeal: one part at a time; gradually; in stages
pied :piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored
piety :devoutness; reverence for God
pigment: coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with water or oil)
pilfer: steal things of small value; filch; snitch
pillage: plunder
pillory :punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule
pinch :squeeze between the thumb and a finger, or other edges
pine :long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline
pinion :restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs
pinnace :small boat
pinnacle: peak; highest point; acme
pious: devout; religious
piquant :pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimulating
pique :irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss in a contest)
piscatorial: pertaining to fishing
pitfall :hidden danger; concealed trap
pith :core or marrow; sponge like substance in the center of stems; essence; substance
pithy :concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty
pittance :small amount (of money); small allowance or wage
pivotal :of a pivot; central; critical; crucial
placate :pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease
placebo: harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill
placid :peaceful; calm
plagiarize: steal another’s ideas or writings and pass them off as one’s own
plaintive :expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive song
plait: braid; intertwine; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together
plane :carpenter’s tool for smoothing and leveling wood
plaster :paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls
plasticity :ability to be molded
plastic: capable of being shaped or molded
platitude: trite remark; commonplace statement
platonic: purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire
plaudit: praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or series) of applause
plausible: conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious
plebeian: common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people
plebiscite: direct vote by the entire electorate (on an important issue)
plenary: (of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members
plenitude :abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness; fullness
plethora: excess; overabundance
pliable :flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable
pliant: flexible; easily influenced
plight :difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad state or condition); predicament
ploy: stratagem to gain an advantage; tactic
pluck: courage
plucky: courageous; brave
plumage :feathers of a bird
plumb :exactly vertical
plumber :one who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing(pipes)
plume: feather, esp. large or showy one; something that rises into the air (like the shape of a feather)
plummet :fall sharply; fall straight down
plump :pleasantly fat; nicely rounded
plutocracy:society ruled by the wealthy
podiatrist :doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist
podium :pedestal; raised platform
poignancy: quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion
poignant : touching; deeply moving
poise :good judgment with composure; balance
polar :of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes
polarity:state of having two opposite qualities
polarize: split into opposite extremes or camps
polemic :attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or refutation; argument in support of point of view
polemics: art of debate or controversy
polemical(polemic) :aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)
politic :prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised
polity: (particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state
polygamist: one who has more than one spouse at a time
polyglot: speaking several languages; multilingual
pomposity: self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt(pompous person)
Pompous: self-important
ponderous: having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking lightness; dull
pontifical: pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious
Pontiff: pope; bishop
pore : study industriously; ponder; scrutinize
porous: full of pores; like a sieve
porridge: soft food made by boiling oatmeal
portend: foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of
portent: sign; omen; forewarning
portly :stout; corpulent
pose :assume a particular posture; put forward; present; affect a particular attitude (to impress others)
poseur :person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses
posterity :descendants; future generations
posthumous :after death (as of child born after father’s death or book published after author’s death); coming or occurring after one’s death
postmortem :autopsy
postulate :self-evident truth; something assumed without proof
posture: assume an affected pose; act artificially
potable: suitable for drinking; drinkable
potent :powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential
potentate :monarch; sovereign
potential :expressing possibility; latent
potion :dose (of liquids); liquid dose
potpourri :heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a room)
poultice: soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body
précis: abstract; concise summing up of main points; concise summary of a text
practicable: feasible
practical :based on experience; of or acquired through practice (rather than theory)
pragmatic: practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with practical worth or impact of something
pragmatist: practical person
pragmatism: pragmatic way of dealing with things
prance: move about in a spirited manner (proudly and confidently)
prank: mischievous trick
prate: talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly
prattle: talk idly; babble
preamble: introductory statement
precarious :unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky
precedent :preceding (in time, rank, etc.)
precept :practical rule guiding conduct
precinct :division of a city for election or police purposes; precincts: space that surrounds a building
precipice :cliff; dangerous position
precipitant: something that causes a substance in a chemical solution to separate out in solid form
precipitate: hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten; cause
to happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or snow; cause (a solid substance)
to be separated from a solution
precipitous: steep; overhasty; precipitate
precise :exact
preclude: make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate
precocious :advanced in development
precursor: forerunner; predecessor
predator: predatory animal or bird; predatory person; creature that seizes and devours another animal
predatory: living by preying on other organisms; plundering
predecessor: former occupant of a post
predetermine: determine in advance; predestine; settle or decide beforehand; influence markedly
predicament :difficult situation; tricky or dangerous situation; dilemma
predilection :preference; partiality
predispose: give an inclination toward (in advance); make susceptible to
preeminent :outstanding; superior
preempt :prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others
preen: make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-satisfaction or pride; (of a bird) smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak
prefatory: introductory; of a preface
prefigure: be a sign of; foreshadow
prehensile :capable of grasping or holding (esp. by wrapping around)
prelate: church dignitary; priest of high position in the church (esp. bishop)
prelude: introduction; introductory performance or event; forerunner
premeditate: plan in advance
premise: assumption; postulate; proposition upon which an argument is based
premonition: forewarning; presentiment; foreboding
premonitory: serving to warn
preponderance: superiority of power, quantity
Preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or importance
prepossessing: attractive
Preposterous : absurd; completely unreasonable; ridiculous
prerogative : privilege; unquestionable right
presage: foretell; be a warning or sign of
presentiment: foreboding; omen
prescience : ability to foretell the future; knowledge of actions before they occur
presentiment : premonition; foreboding; feeling something will happen; anticipatory fear
prestige : respect or admiration; impression produced by achievements or reputation
prestigious: having prestige
presume: take for granted; assume; act overconfidently; take liberties; presume on/upon
presumptuous: going beyond what is right; excessively forward; arrogant; taking liberties
pretend:feign; pretend to: claim to possess; make pretensions to
pretension :pretentiousness; claim (without foundation)
pretentious :ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified claims; overambitious
preternatural: beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural
pretext :excuse
prevail: be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail on: persuade; induce
prevalent: widespread; generally accepted
prevaricate: lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)
prey: target of a hunt; victim
prim: proper to the point of affectation; very precise and formal; exceedingly proper
primal: first in rank or importance; being first in time; original
primary: first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in time
primate :group of mammals including humans
prime :period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or beginning stage
primogeniture: seniority by birth; state of being the first-born child; right of the eldest child (to inherit the entire property of one or both parents)
primordial: existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary
primp: groom oneself with care; adorn oneself
pristine: unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; characteristic of earlier times; primitive
privation: lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; hardship; want
privy :secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in something secret
prize: pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem
probe: explore with a probe or tools; investigate
probity :uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility
problematic: causing a problem; open to doubt; doubtful; unsettled; questionable
Proclivity: inclination; natural tendency (esp. towards something bad)
procrastinate: postpone; delay or put off
procurement :obtaining
procure: obtain by effort; obtain (a prostitute) for another
prod :poke (with a pointed object); stir up; urge; goad to action
prodigal: wasteful; reckless with money; profuse
prodigious: enormous; marvelous; extraordinary
prodigy: highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents; marvel; wonder
profane: violate; desecrate (something holy); treat unworthily; be profane for
profligate :wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral; dissolute
profound:deep; not superficial; complete
profusion :great amount; plenty; overabundance; excess; lavish expenditure
profuse: plentiful; copious; giving or given abundantly; extravagant
progenitor:ancestor
progeny: children; offspring; descendants
prognosis :forecasted course of a disease; prediction
prognosticate: predict (according to present indications)
prohibitive :so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; prohibiting
projectile: missile; fired or thrown object (such as stone or bullet)
proletarian: member of the working class; blue collar guy
Proletariat: working class (who has to work for wages)
proliferate: grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multiply
prolific: producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile; fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works
prolixity: tedious wordiness; verbosity
prolix: wordy; verbose; diffuse
prologue: introduction (to a poem or play)
prolong :lengthen; extend; draw out
prominent: protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable; eminent
promiscuous: mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate; not choosing carefully; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners
promontory :headland
promote :advance in rank; advance; help to flourish; advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or popularize
prompt :cause; urge; provoke; provide a cue
promulgate :announce; proclaim a doctrine or law; make known by official publication
prone: inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with the front downward
prong: pointed projecting part
pronounced :distinct; very noticeable
prop :support placed under or against something
propagate: increase in number by producing young; multiply; spread
propellant : (propellant) substance which propels or drives forward
propensity: natural inclination
prophetic :of a prophet or prophecy; having to do with predicting the future
prophylactic :used to prevent disease
prophylaxis: prevention of disease
propinquity :nearness (in space or relationship); proximity; kinship
propitiate :appease; conciliate; make peaceful
propitious: favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortunate
proponent: supporter; backer; opposite of opponent
propound :put forth for consideration or analysis; set forth
propriety: fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct; conformity to prevailing customs and usages
propulsive :driving forward
prosaic :lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or feelings)
proscenium :part of stage in front of curtain; front arch of a stage
proscribe :prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw
proselytize: (induce someone to) convert to a religion or belief
proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or religion
prosody: art of versification; study of the metrical structure of verse
prosper: become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow well
prosperity: good fortune and financial success; physical well-being
prosperous: successful; rich; affluent; well-to-do; well-off
prostrate :stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; enervate
protégé :person receiving protection and support from a patron
protagonist: leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief character in a play or story
protean: able to take on many forms; versatile
protocol :diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification
prototype: original work used as a model by others
protract :prolong; lengthen in time; draw out
protrude: stick out; jut; project
protuberance: protrusion; swelling; bulge
provenance: place of origin; origin or source of something
provender: dry food for livestock; fodder
proverb: adage; someone or something well known for notoriety
Proverbial: of a proverb
providence: quality of being provident; divine care; god’s care
Providence: god
providential: of divine providence; fortunate
provident: providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies
provincial :pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow; unsophisticated
provision :act of providing; something provided; preparatory measure; provisions: necessary supplies (esp. food)
provisional: tentative; temporary
proviso: stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision
provocative: arousing anger or sexual interest; annoying
Provoke: incite to anger; cause (an unpleasant action or feeling)
prowess: extraordinary ability; military bravery
proximity: nearness
proxy: authorized agent; authority to act for another
prude: excessively modest or proper person (who is easily shocked by improper things, esp. of a sexual nature)
prudish: excessively concerned with propriety
prudent: cautious; careful; prudential
prune: cut away; trim
prurient: having or causing lustful desires and thoughts; arousing immoderate sexual desire
pry inquire :impertinently (someone else’s private affairs); use leverage to raise or open something; prize
pseudonym: pen name; fictitious name assumed by an author
psyche: soul; mind
psychiatrist:doctor who treats mental diseases
psychic:of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary mental powers
psychopathic: pertaining to mental derangement
Psychopath: person with an antisocial personality disorder
psychosis: mental disorder
psychosomatic :of the influence of the mind on the body (esp. with respect to disease)
pterodactyl: extinct flying reptile
pucker: gather into wrinkles or folds
pudding :hot sweet dish
puerile: childish; immature
pugilist: boxer
Pugilism: boxing
pugnacity: combativeness; disposition to fight
pugnacious: (of people) belligerent; combative in nature
puissant: powerful; strong; potent
pulchritude: beauty; comeliness
pulmonary: pertaining to the lungs
pulpit: raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
pulsate:throb; beat regularly; vibrate regularly
pulse: rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity
pulverize: crush or grind into very small particles
pummel: pommel; beat or pound with fists
punctilious: minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form
punctiliousness: careful attention paid to every small exact detail
pundit: authority on a subject; expert; learned person
pungent: stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of speech or writing) caustic
punitive: punishing
puny: tiny; weak; insignificant
purchase: secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing
purgatory: place of spiritual expiation; temporary state or place in which the souls must expiate their sins
purge: remove or get rid of something or someone unwanted; eliminate; free from blame or guilt
purport: intention; purpose; meaning
purported: alleged; claimed; reputed or rumored
purse: pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles
purveyor: furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer
purvey: supply (e.g. food); furnish
pushy: disagreeably aggressive
pusillanimous: cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted
putative: supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such
putrefy: make or become putrid
putrescent: becoming putrid; putrefying
putrid: decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed
puzzle: baffle or confuse by a difficult problem; ponder over a problem in an effort to solve
pyromaniac: person with an insane desire to set things on fire
precipitous: steep; overhasty; precipitate
precise :exact
preclude: make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate
precocious :advanced in development
precursor: forerunner; predecessor
predator: predatory animal or bird; predatory person; creature that seizes and devours another animal
predatory: living by preying on other organisms; plundering
predecessor: former occupant of a post
predetermine: determine in advance; predestine; settle or decide beforehand; influence markedly
predicament :difficult situation; tricky or dangerous situation; dilemma
predilection :preference; partiality
predispose: give an inclination toward (in advance); make susceptible to
preeminent :outstanding; superior
preempt :prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others
preen: make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-satisfaction or pride; (of a bird) smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak
prefatory: introductory; of a preface
prefigure: be a sign of; foreshadow
prehensile :capable of grasping or holding (esp. by wrapping around)
prelate: church dignitary; priest of high position in the church (esp. bishop)
prelude: introduction; introductory performance or event; forerunner
premeditate: plan in advance
premise: assumption; postulate; proposition upon which an argument is based
premonition: forewarning; presentiment; foreboding
premonitory: serving to warn
preponderance: superiority of power, quantity
Preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or importance
prepossessing: attractive
Preposterous : absurd; completely unreasonable; ridiculous
prerogative : privilege; unquestionable right
presage: foretell; be a warning or sign of
presentiment: foreboding; omen
prescience : ability to foretell the future; knowledge of actions before they occur
presentiment : premonition; foreboding; feeling something will happen; anticipatory fear
prestige : respect or admiration; impression produced by achievements or reputation
prestigious: having prestige
presume: take for granted; assume; act overconfidently; take liberties; presume on/upon
presumptuous: going beyond what is right; excessively forward; arrogant; taking liberties
pretend:feign; pretend to: claim to possess; make pretensions to
pretension :pretentiousness; claim (without foundation)
pretentious :ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified claims; overambitious
preternatural: beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural
pretext :excuse
prevail: be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail on: persuade; induce
prevalent: widespread; generally accepted
prevaricate: lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)
prey: target of a hunt; victim
prim: proper to the point of affectation; very precise and formal; exceedingly proper
primal: first in rank or importance; being first in time; original
primary: first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in time
primate :group of mammals including humans
prime :period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or beginning stage
primogeniture: seniority by birth; state of being the first-born child; right of the eldest child (to inherit the entire property of one or both parents)
primordial: existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary
primp: groom oneself with care; adorn oneself
pristine: unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; characteristic of earlier times; primitive
privation: lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; hardship; want
privy :secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in something secret
prize: pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem
probe: explore with a probe or tools; investigate
probity :uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility
problematic: causing a problem; open to doubt; doubtful; unsettled; questionable
Proclivity: inclination; natural tendency (esp. towards something bad)
procrastinate: postpone; delay or put off
procurement :obtaining
procure: obtain by effort; obtain (a prostitute) for another
prod :poke (with a pointed object); stir up; urge; goad to action
prodigal: wasteful; reckless with money; profuse
prodigious: enormous; marvelous; extraordinary
prodigy: highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents; marvel; wonder
profane: violate; desecrate (something holy); treat unworthily; be profane for
profligate :wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral; dissolute
profound:deep; not superficial; complete
profusion :great amount; plenty; overabundance; excess; lavish expenditure
profuse: plentiful; copious; giving or given abundantly; extravagant
progenitor:ancestor
progeny: children; offspring; descendants
prognosis :forecasted course of a disease; prediction
prognosticate: predict (according to present indications)
prohibitive :so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; prohibiting
projectile: missile; fired or thrown object (such as stone or bullet)
proletarian: member of the working class; blue collar guy
Proletariat: working class (who has to work for wages)
proliferate: grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multiply
prolific: producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile; fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works
prolixity: tedious wordiness; verbosity
prolix: wordy; verbose; diffuse
prologue: introduction (to a poem or play)
prolong :lengthen; extend; draw out
prominent: protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable; eminent
promiscuous: mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate; not choosing carefully; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners
promontory :headland
promote :advance in rank; advance; help to flourish; advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or popularize
prompt :cause; urge; provoke; provide a cue
promulgate :announce; proclaim a doctrine or law; make known by official publication
prone: inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with the front downward
prong: pointed projecting part
pronounced :distinct; very noticeable
prop :support placed under or against something
propagate: increase in number by producing young; multiply; spread
propellant : (propellant) substance which propels or drives forward
propensity: natural inclination
prophetic :of a prophet or prophecy; having to do with predicting the future
prophylactic :used to prevent disease
prophylaxis: prevention of disease
propinquity :nearness (in space or relationship); proximity; kinship
propitiate :appease; conciliate; make peaceful
propitious: favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortunate
proponent: supporter; backer; opposite of opponent
propound :put forth for consideration or analysis; set forth
propriety: fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct; conformity to prevailing customs and usages
propulsive :driving forward
prosaic :lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or feelings)
proscenium :part of stage in front of curtain; front arch of a stage
proscribe :prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw
proselytize: (induce someone to) convert to a religion or belief
proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or religion
prosody: art of versification; study of the metrical structure of verse
prosper: become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow well
prosperity: good fortune and financial success; physical well-being
prosperous: successful; rich; affluent; well-to-do; well-off
prostrate :stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; enervate
protégé :person receiving protection and support from a patron
protagonist: leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief character in a play or story
protean: able to take on many forms; versatile
protocol :diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification
prototype: original work used as a model by others
protract :prolong; lengthen in time; draw out
protrude: stick out; jut; project
protuberance: protrusion; swelling; bulge
provenance: place of origin; origin or source of something
provender: dry food for livestock; fodder
proverb: adage; someone or something well known for notoriety
Proverbial: of a proverb
providence: quality of being provident; divine care; god’s care
Providence: god
providential: of divine providence; fortunate
provident: providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies
provincial :pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow; unsophisticated
provision :act of providing; something provided; preparatory measure; provisions: necessary supplies (esp. food)
provisional: tentative; temporary
proviso: stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision
provocative: arousing anger or sexual interest; annoying
Provoke: incite to anger; cause (an unpleasant action or feeling)
prowess: extraordinary ability; military bravery
proximity: nearness
proxy: authorized agent; authority to act for another
prude: excessively modest or proper person (who is easily shocked by improper things, esp. of a sexual nature)
prudish: excessively concerned with propriety
prudent: cautious; careful; prudential
prune: cut away; trim
prurient: having or causing lustful desires and thoughts; arousing immoderate sexual desire
pry inquire :impertinently (someone else’s private affairs); use leverage to raise or open something; prize
pseudonym: pen name; fictitious name assumed by an author
psyche: soul; mind
psychiatrist:doctor who treats mental diseases
psychic:of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary mental powers
psychopathic: pertaining to mental derangement
Psychopath: person with an antisocial personality disorder
psychosis: mental disorder
psychosomatic :of the influence of the mind on the body (esp. with respect to disease)
pterodactyl: extinct flying reptile
pucker: gather into wrinkles or folds
pudding :hot sweet dish
puerile: childish; immature
pugilist: boxer
Pugilism: boxing
pugnacity: combativeness; disposition to fight
pugnacious: (of people) belligerent; combative in nature
puissant: powerful; strong; potent
pulchritude: beauty; comeliness
pulmonary: pertaining to the lungs
pulpit: raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
pulsate:throb; beat regularly; vibrate regularly
pulse: rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity
pulverize: crush or grind into very small particles
pummel: pommel; beat or pound with fists
punctilious: minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form
punctiliousness: careful attention paid to every small exact detail
pundit: authority on a subject; expert; learned person
pungent: stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of speech or writing) caustic
punitive: punishing
puny: tiny; weak; insignificant
purchase: secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing
purgatory: place of spiritual expiation; temporary state or place in which the souls must expiate their sins
purge: remove or get rid of something or someone unwanted; eliminate; free from blame or guilt
purport: intention; purpose; meaning
purported: alleged; claimed; reputed or rumored
purse: pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles
purveyor: furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer
purvey: supply (e.g. food); furnish
pushy: disagreeably aggressive
pusillanimous: cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted
putative: supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such
putrefy: make or become putrid
putrescent: becoming putrid; putrefying
putrid: decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed
puzzle: baffle or confuse by a difficult problem; ponder over a problem in an effort to solve
pyromaniac: person with an insane desire to set things on fire
quack : charlatan; impostor
quadruped: four-footed animal
quaff: drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty enjoyment)
quagmire: bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament; complex or dangerous situation
quail :cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart
quaint :odd in an old-fashioned way; odd; old-fashioned; picturesque
qualified :limited; restricted
qualify: reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of something stated
qualms :uneasy feelings; misgivings; uneasy fears especially about matters of conscience
Quandary :dilemma; state of uncertainty
quarantine: isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection
quarry :dig into (to get stone)
quash :crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul
quay :dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
queasy:experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nauseated; squeamish
queer :strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal
quell: suppress; put an end to; put down forcibly; extinguish; quiet
quench :assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or extinguish; put out; suppress
querulous :given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining
query: inquiry; question
queue: line (of waiting people or vehicles)
quibble :minor objection or complaint
quicksilver :mercury
quiescent :dormant; temporarily inactive
quietude: tranquility; calmness
quintessence: purest and highest embodiment; perfect example; apotheosis; most essential element
quip :taunt; clever sarcastic remark
quirk :sudden sharp turn or twist; startling twist; caprice; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity of behavior
quisling :traitor who aids invaders
quiver: tremble; shake
quixotic :idealistic but impractical
quizzical :curious; suggesting puzzlement (without saying); questioning; teasing; mocking; bantering
quorum: minimal number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
quotidian: daily; commonplace; customary
quadruped: four-footed animal
quaff: drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty enjoyment)
quagmire: bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament; complex or dangerous situation
quail :cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart
quaint :odd in an old-fashioned way; odd; old-fashioned; picturesque
qualified :limited; restricted
qualify: reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of something stated
qualms :uneasy feelings; misgivings; uneasy fears especially about matters of conscience
Quandary :dilemma; state of uncertainty
quarantine: isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection
quarry :dig into (to get stone)
quash :crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul
quay :dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
queasy:experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nauseated; squeamish
queer :strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal
quell: suppress; put an end to; put down forcibly; extinguish; quiet
quench :assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or extinguish; put out; suppress
querulous :given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining
query: inquiry; question
queue: line (of waiting people or vehicles)
quibble :minor objection or complaint
quicksilver :mercury
quiescent :dormant; temporarily inactive
quietude: tranquility; calmness
quintessence: purest and highest embodiment; perfect example; apotheosis; most essential element
quip :taunt; clever sarcastic remark
quirk :sudden sharp turn or twist; startling twist; caprice; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity of behavior
quisling :traitor who aids invaders
quiver: tremble; shake
quixotic :idealistic but impractical
quizzical :curious; suggesting puzzlement (without saying); questioning; teasing; mocking; bantering
quorum: minimal number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
quotidian: daily; commonplace; customary
R
rabble: mob; noisy crowd
rabid :of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely zealous; furious
rabies: disease passed on by the bite of an infected animal (causing madness and death)
raconteur: story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and skill
raffle: lottery
rag :scrap of cloth
ragged: old and torn; seeming unfinished and imperfect
ragamuffin :dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing tattered clothes
rail :complain bitterly; scold; rant
raiment :clothing; garments
rake: immoral or dissolute person
rakish: jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute
rally: come or bring together; call up or summon (forces, vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate
ram: male sheep
ramble: wander aimlessly (physically or mentally); digress
ramification: branching out; subdivision; one branch of a system; one of the results following from an action
ramify: branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions
ramp: slope; inclined plane or roadway (connecting two levels)
rampant: growing or spreading uncontrollably; growing in profusion; unrestrained
rampart: defensive mound of earth
ramshackle: (of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed; rickety; falling apart
rancid: having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank
rancor: long-lasting hatred; bitterness
random: without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard
rank: offensive in odor or flavor
rankle: irritate; fester; annoy
ransack: search thoroughly; pillage (going through a place)
Rant: speak violently or excitedly; rave; talk excitedly showing anger; scold; make a grandiloquent speech
rapacious: voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can; excessively grasping; plundering
rapport :close relationship; emotional closeness; harmony
rapt: engrossed; absorbed; enchanted
rapture: great joy and delight; ecstasy
rare: (of air) thin in density; rarefied
rarefied: made less dense (of a gas)
rarefy: make less dense
rasp : (of a sound) grate on (eg. nerves); make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; rub with something rough
raspy : making a harsh noise; grating; harsh
ratify: approve formally; confirm; verify
ratiocination : reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises
ratiocinate: reason logically
ration :fixed portion
rational : (of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on reason; logical
rationale :fundamental reason or principle (on which a system or principle is based); fundamental reason or justification; grounds for an action
rationalize: make rational; devise false reasons for (one’s behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible reason for an action in place of a true
raucous : (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous
ravage :devastate; plunder; despoil
rave: overwhelmingly favorable review
ravel :fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or untwist
ravenous: extremely hungry; voracious
ravine: narrow valley with steep sides; gorge
raze :destroy completely
reactionary: strongly opposed to social or political change; opposing progress; politically ultraconservative
realm: kingdom; field or sphere
reaper :one who harvests grain
reap:cut and gather (crop); harvest a crop
rebate: return of part of a payment; discount
rebuff :reject bluntly; snub; beat back
rebuke :scold harshly; criticize severely
rebus: representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols; puzzle in which pictures or letters stand for words; Ex. R U 18 is a rebus for Are you 18
rebuttal: refutation; response with contrary evidence
rebut: refute; disprove
recalcitrant :disobedient or resisting authority even after being punished; obstinately stubborn
recant :disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly confess error
recapitulate :summarize
recast :reconstruct (a sentence, story, statue, etc.); fashion again
receptive :quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions, etc.)
recess :pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner place
recession :withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity
recidivism :habitual return to crime (even after being punished)
recipient :receiver
reciprocal :mutual; given and received in return; exchangeable; interacting
reciprocate :do or give something in return; repay in kind; give or take mutually; interchange; move
recital :act of reciting publicly; detailed account; performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)
recite: repeat aloud (something learned); describe
reckon :count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose
recline: lie down
recluse :hermit; loner
reconcile :make friendly again (after quarrel); make consistent (two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies
recondite :abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret
reconnaissance: survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering
reconnoiter: make a preliminary inspection of (esp. to gather military information)
recount :narrate or tell (a story); count over again
recourse: resorting to help when in trouble
recreant: disloyal; cowardly
recrimination :countercharges
rectify :set right; correct
rectitude :moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue; correctness of judgment
recumbent :reclining; lying down completely or in part
recuperate :recover; return to health; regain
recurrent :occurring again and again
redolent :odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor)
redoubtable: formidable; causing fear
redress: remedy; compensation
reduce :diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult condition; demote; lower in rank
redundant :superfluous; more than is necessary; verbose; excessively wordy; repetitious
reek :emit (an unpleasant odor or smoke); give off an unpleasant odor; give out smoke
refectory: dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)
referendum: direct vote by all the people
refraction: bending of a ray of light
refractory: unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn
refrain :abstain from; resist; forbear
refulgent :effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming
refurbish :renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new) again; make bright by polishing
refuse: anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash
refute: disprove; prove to be false
regal :royal; of a monarch
regale :entertain
regatta :boat or yacht race
regeneration :spiritual rebirth
regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform spiritually
regent :a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill, absent, or still a child
regicide :murder of a king or queen
regime: method of system or government
regimen :prescribed course of diet or exercise; prescribed diet and habits
regiment :military unit
rehabilitate: restore to proper condition (health or useful life); restore the former rank of
reimburse :repay; pay back
reinstate: restore to a previous condition or position
reiterate: repeat
rejoinder :reply; retort; comeback
Rejoin: say in reply
rejuvenate : make young again
relapse : return to a former state (esp. after improvement)
relegate: put into a lower or worse place; banish to an inferior position; delegate; assign
relent :become less severe; give in(surrender)
relentless : unyielding; continuously severe
relevant: having importance; pertinent; referring to the case in hand
relic: surviving remnant (from an extinct culture); memento; keepsake; relics: corpse
religious: of religion; (of a person) pious; having reverence for a deity
relinquish: give up something (with reluctance); yield; release
relish:enjoy; savor
remediable: reparable
reminiscence: recollection
reminisce: recollect the past
reminiscent:suggestive of something (in the past); of reminiscence
remiss :negligent; careless about a duty
remission :temporary moderation (of disease symptoms); remitting of a debt or punishment; cancellation of a debt; pardon
remit: transmit (money) in payment; free someone from a debt or punishment
remittance: remitting of money; amount of money remitted
remnant :remainder
remonstrate: protest; objection
remorse: deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self-reproach
remunerative : (of work) compensating; rewarding; profitable; well-paid
rend :split; tear apart
render :give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate
rendezvous: meeting place; meeting at a set time or place
rendition: rendering; translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc
renegade: deserter; traitor
renege :break a promise; deny; go back on
renounce: abandon; give up (by formal announcement); disown; repudiate
renovate :restore to good condition; renew
renown: fame
rent: tear made by rending; rip; split
reparable: capable of being repaired
reparation: compensation (for loss or wrong); amends
repartee: quick clever reply
repast: meal; feast; banquet
repeal: revoke; annul
repel :drive away; disgust
repellent: driving away; disgusting; offensive; repulsive; unattractive
repercussion: rebound; reaction; reverberation
repertoire: list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present
repine fret: complain; be annoyed
replenish :fill up again
replete: fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied
replica :copy
replicate: reproduce; duplicate
repose: resting; state of being at rest; calmness
repository: storehouse
reprehensible :deserving blame; blameworthy
reprehend: blame
representational : (of a style of art) showing things as they actually appear in real life
repress: hold back (the natural expression of); restrain; crush; oppress
reprieve: postponement or cancellation of a punishment; temporary stay
reprimand :reprove severely; rebuke
reprisal: retaliation
reprise :musical repetition; repeating of a piece of music; repeat performance; recurrent action
reproach: blame (not angrily but sadly); express disapproval or disappointment
reprobate :morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency
reprobation :severe disapproval
reprove: censure; rebuke
repudiate :disown; disavow; deny
repugnance :disgust; strong dislike; loathing
repugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive
repulse : reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack)
repulsion: distaste; disgust; act of driving back
repulsive : causing disgust; tending to drive away
reputable : respectable; having a good reputation
reputed : supposed
repute: consider
repute: reputation; esteem
requiem: mass for the dead; dirge
requisite: necessary requirement; something required
required: necessary
requisition: formal demand or request
requite : make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge
rescind : repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)
resentment :indignation; bitterness; displeasure
resent: feel anger about
reserve self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant manner; reticence
reserved :shy and uncommunicative
residual :remaining; left over; of a residue
residue: remainder; balance
resign: give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (oneself) passively
resignation: patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job
resilient :elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)
resolution :determination; resoluteness
resolute :firm or determined in purpose
resolve: decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision
resonant : (of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance
resort :turn to for help
resound : (of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound) sound loudly; sound back; echo
resourceful :clever and imaginative (in dealing with difficult situations)
respiration :breathing; exhalation
respite :time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punishment; reprieve
resplendent :brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious
responsiveness :state of reacting readily to appeals, orders
responsive: readily reacting
restitution: returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss
restive : impatiently restless (induced by external coercion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control
restraint : moderation or self-control; controlling force; restriction
resumption : taking up again; recommencement
resume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again
resurge : rise again; flow to and fro
resurgent : (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; surging again
resurrect :revive
resuscitate: revive; bring back to life or consciousness
retain: keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer or advisor)
retaliate: repay in kind (usually for bad treatment)
retard: delay (in development)
retarded : (as of a child) slower in development
retentive: holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the mind); having a good memory
reticent :inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved
retinue: following; attendants
retiring :shy and reserved (of a person); modest
retort: quick sharp reply
retract :withdraw; take back; draw back
retrench: cut down; cut down expenses; economize
retribution: deserved punishment for wrongdoing; punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance
retrieve: recover; put right; find and bring in; regain
retroactive: taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax)
retrograde: go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate
retrospective: looking back on the past
revelry: boisterous merrymaking
Revel: engage boisterous festivities; enjoy greatly
reverberate : echo repeatedly; resound
reverend : deserving reverence
reverent: respectful; worshipful
revere: regard with reverence
reverence: profound respect
reverie :daydream; abstracted musing
revert :relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner
revile :attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)
revoke: cancel; retract
revulsion :sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction
rhapsodize :speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner
rhapsody: excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling; musical composition of irregular form
rhetoric :art of effective communication; art of using language effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing
ribald :marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane
rickety : (of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of rickets
riddle: pierce with holes; permeate or spread throughout
rider :amendment or clause added to a legislative bill
rife: (of something bad) widespread; abundant; current
rift: narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly relation
rig arrangement :of masts and sails
righteous: morally upright; just
rightful :legally correct
rigid: hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in behavior or views; strict; rigorous
rigor: severity
rile :irritate; vex; muddy
rip: tear or be torn quickly and violently
rivet: metal pin used for fastening metal plates together
riveting: holding one’s attention; absorbing; engrossing
rivulet: small stream
robust: strong; vigorous
rococo: ornate; highly decorated
roil :make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb
rolling :(of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes; happening continuously by stages
romp: play or frolic boisterously; gambol
rooster :cock; adult male chicken
roseate :rosy; optimistic
roster: list (of names)
rostrum: raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
rote: repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding
rotund : (of a person) fat and round
rotunda: circular building or hall covered with a dome
rotundity: roundness; sonorousness of speech
rousing: lively; inducing excitement; stirring
rouse: waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up
rout :put to rout; stampede; drive out
rubble :fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)
rubric: title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol
ruddy :reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy-looking
rudimentary: elementary; not developed; crude
rudiment: fundamental element or principle
rue :regret; lament; mourn
ruffian:violent scoundrel; bully
rumble: make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or stomach)
ruminant :animal that ruminates
ruminate: chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)
rummage: ransack; thoroughly search
run-down : (of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition; (of a person) weak or exhausted
runic: mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet
rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm
ruse: trick to deceive; stratagem
rustic :pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; simple; crude; uncouth
rusticate :banish to the country; dwell in the country
rustle: make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together
ruthless: pitiless; merciless; cruel
rabid :of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely zealous; furious
rabies: disease passed on by the bite of an infected animal (causing madness and death)
raconteur: story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and skill
raffle: lottery
rag :scrap of cloth
ragged: old and torn; seeming unfinished and imperfect
ragamuffin :dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing tattered clothes
rail :complain bitterly; scold; rant
raiment :clothing; garments
rake: immoral or dissolute person
rakish: jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute
rally: come or bring together; call up or summon (forces, vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate
ram: male sheep
ramble: wander aimlessly (physically or mentally); digress
ramification: branching out; subdivision; one branch of a system; one of the results following from an action
ramify: branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions
ramp: slope; inclined plane or roadway (connecting two levels)
rampant: growing or spreading uncontrollably; growing in profusion; unrestrained
rampart: defensive mound of earth
ramshackle: (of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed; rickety; falling apart
rancid: having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank
rancor: long-lasting hatred; bitterness
random: without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard
rank: offensive in odor or flavor
rankle: irritate; fester; annoy
ransack: search thoroughly; pillage (going through a place)
Rant: speak violently or excitedly; rave; talk excitedly showing anger; scold; make a grandiloquent speech
rapacious: voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can; excessively grasping; plundering
rapport :close relationship; emotional closeness; harmony
rapt: engrossed; absorbed; enchanted
rapture: great joy and delight; ecstasy
rare: (of air) thin in density; rarefied
rarefied: made less dense (of a gas)
rarefy: make less dense
rasp : (of a sound) grate on (eg. nerves); make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; rub with something rough
raspy : making a harsh noise; grating; harsh
ratify: approve formally; confirm; verify
ratiocination : reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises
ratiocinate: reason logically
ration :fixed portion
rational : (of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on reason; logical
rationale :fundamental reason or principle (on which a system or principle is based); fundamental reason or justification; grounds for an action
rationalize: make rational; devise false reasons for (one’s behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible reason for an action in place of a true
raucous : (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous
ravage :devastate; plunder; despoil
rave: overwhelmingly favorable review
ravel :fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or untwist
ravenous: extremely hungry; voracious
ravine: narrow valley with steep sides; gorge
raze :destroy completely
reactionary: strongly opposed to social or political change; opposing progress; politically ultraconservative
realm: kingdom; field or sphere
reaper :one who harvests grain
reap:cut and gather (crop); harvest a crop
rebate: return of part of a payment; discount
rebuff :reject bluntly; snub; beat back
rebuke :scold harshly; criticize severely
rebus: representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols; puzzle in which pictures or letters stand for words; Ex. R U 18 is a rebus for Are you 18
rebuttal: refutation; response with contrary evidence
rebut: refute; disprove
recalcitrant :disobedient or resisting authority even after being punished; obstinately stubborn
recant :disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly confess error
recapitulate :summarize
recast :reconstruct (a sentence, story, statue, etc.); fashion again
receptive :quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions, etc.)
recess :pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner place
recession :withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity
recidivism :habitual return to crime (even after being punished)
recipient :receiver
reciprocal :mutual; given and received in return; exchangeable; interacting
reciprocate :do or give something in return; repay in kind; give or take mutually; interchange; move
recital :act of reciting publicly; detailed account; performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)
recite: repeat aloud (something learned); describe
reckon :count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose
recline: lie down
recluse :hermit; loner
reconcile :make friendly again (after quarrel); make consistent (two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies
recondite :abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret
reconnaissance: survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering
reconnoiter: make a preliminary inspection of (esp. to gather military information)
recount :narrate or tell (a story); count over again
recourse: resorting to help when in trouble
recreant: disloyal; cowardly
recrimination :countercharges
rectify :set right; correct
rectitude :moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue; correctness of judgment
recumbent :reclining; lying down completely or in part
recuperate :recover; return to health; regain
recurrent :occurring again and again
redolent :odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor)
redoubtable: formidable; causing fear
redress: remedy; compensation
reduce :diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult condition; demote; lower in rank
redundant :superfluous; more than is necessary; verbose; excessively wordy; repetitious
reek :emit (an unpleasant odor or smoke); give off an unpleasant odor; give out smoke
refectory: dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)
referendum: direct vote by all the people
refraction: bending of a ray of light
refractory: unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn
refrain :abstain from; resist; forbear
refulgent :effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming
refurbish :renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new) again; make bright by polishing
refuse: anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash
refute: disprove; prove to be false
regal :royal; of a monarch
regale :entertain
regatta :boat or yacht race
regeneration :spiritual rebirth
regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform spiritually
regent :a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill, absent, or still a child
regicide :murder of a king or queen
regime: method of system or government
regimen :prescribed course of diet or exercise; prescribed diet and habits
regiment :military unit
rehabilitate: restore to proper condition (health or useful life); restore the former rank of
reimburse :repay; pay back
reinstate: restore to a previous condition or position
reiterate: repeat
rejoinder :reply; retort; comeback
Rejoin: say in reply
rejuvenate : make young again
relapse : return to a former state (esp. after improvement)
relegate: put into a lower or worse place; banish to an inferior position; delegate; assign
relent :become less severe; give in(surrender)
relentless : unyielding; continuously severe
relevant: having importance; pertinent; referring to the case in hand
relic: surviving remnant (from an extinct culture); memento; keepsake; relics: corpse
religious: of religion; (of a person) pious; having reverence for a deity
relinquish: give up something (with reluctance); yield; release
relish:enjoy; savor
remediable: reparable
reminiscence: recollection
reminisce: recollect the past
reminiscent:suggestive of something (in the past); of reminiscence
remiss :negligent; careless about a duty
remission :temporary moderation (of disease symptoms); remitting of a debt or punishment; cancellation of a debt; pardon
remit: transmit (money) in payment; free someone from a debt or punishment
remittance: remitting of money; amount of money remitted
remnant :remainder
remonstrate: protest; objection
remorse: deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self-reproach
remunerative : (of work) compensating; rewarding; profitable; well-paid
rend :split; tear apart
render :give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate
rendezvous: meeting place; meeting at a set time or place
rendition: rendering; translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc
renegade: deserter; traitor
renege :break a promise; deny; go back on
renounce: abandon; give up (by formal announcement); disown; repudiate
renovate :restore to good condition; renew
renown: fame
rent: tear made by rending; rip; split
reparable: capable of being repaired
reparation: compensation (for loss or wrong); amends
repartee: quick clever reply
repast: meal; feast; banquet
repeal: revoke; annul
repel :drive away; disgust
repellent: driving away; disgusting; offensive; repulsive; unattractive
repercussion: rebound; reaction; reverberation
repertoire: list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present
repine fret: complain; be annoyed
replenish :fill up again
replete: fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied
replica :copy
replicate: reproduce; duplicate
repose: resting; state of being at rest; calmness
repository: storehouse
reprehensible :deserving blame; blameworthy
reprehend: blame
representational : (of a style of art) showing things as they actually appear in real life
repress: hold back (the natural expression of); restrain; crush; oppress
reprieve: postponement or cancellation of a punishment; temporary stay
reprimand :reprove severely; rebuke
reprisal: retaliation
reprise :musical repetition; repeating of a piece of music; repeat performance; recurrent action
reproach: blame (not angrily but sadly); express disapproval or disappointment
reprobate :morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency
reprobation :severe disapproval
reprove: censure; rebuke
repudiate :disown; disavow; deny
repugnance :disgust; strong dislike; loathing
repugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive
repulse : reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack)
repulsion: distaste; disgust; act of driving back
repulsive : causing disgust; tending to drive away
reputable : respectable; having a good reputation
reputed : supposed
repute: consider
repute: reputation; esteem
requiem: mass for the dead; dirge
requisite: necessary requirement; something required
required: necessary
requisition: formal demand or request
requite : make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge
rescind : repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)
resentment :indignation; bitterness; displeasure
resent: feel anger about
reserve self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant manner; reticence
reserved :shy and uncommunicative
residual :remaining; left over; of a residue
residue: remainder; balance
resign: give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (oneself) passively
resignation: patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job
resilient :elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)
resolution :determination; resoluteness
resolute :firm or determined in purpose
resolve: decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision
resonant : (of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance
resort :turn to for help
resound : (of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound) sound loudly; sound back; echo
resourceful :clever and imaginative (in dealing with difficult situations)
respiration :breathing; exhalation
respite :time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punishment; reprieve
resplendent :brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious
responsiveness :state of reacting readily to appeals, orders
responsive: readily reacting
restitution: returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss
restive : impatiently restless (induced by external coercion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control
restraint : moderation or self-control; controlling force; restriction
resumption : taking up again; recommencement
resume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again
resurge : rise again; flow to and fro
resurgent : (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; surging again
resurrect :revive
resuscitate: revive; bring back to life or consciousness
retain: keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer or advisor)
retaliate: repay in kind (usually for bad treatment)
retard: delay (in development)
retarded : (as of a child) slower in development
retentive: holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the mind); having a good memory
reticent :inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved
retinue: following; attendants
retiring :shy and reserved (of a person); modest
retort: quick sharp reply
retract :withdraw; take back; draw back
retrench: cut down; cut down expenses; economize
retribution: deserved punishment for wrongdoing; punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance
retrieve: recover; put right; find and bring in; regain
retroactive: taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax)
retrograde: go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate
retrospective: looking back on the past
revelry: boisterous merrymaking
Revel: engage boisterous festivities; enjoy greatly
reverberate : echo repeatedly; resound
reverend : deserving reverence
reverent: respectful; worshipful
revere: regard with reverence
reverence: profound respect
reverie :daydream; abstracted musing
revert :relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner
revile :attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)
revoke: cancel; retract
revulsion :sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction
rhapsodize :speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner
rhapsody: excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling; musical composition of irregular form
rhetoric :art of effective communication; art of using language effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing
ribald :marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane
rickety : (of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of rickets
riddle: pierce with holes; permeate or spread throughout
rider :amendment or clause added to a legislative bill
rife: (of something bad) widespread; abundant; current
rift: narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly relation
rig arrangement :of masts and sails
righteous: morally upright; just
rightful :legally correct
rigid: hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in behavior or views; strict; rigorous
rigor: severity
rile :irritate; vex; muddy
rip: tear or be torn quickly and violently
rivet: metal pin used for fastening metal plates together
riveting: holding one’s attention; absorbing; engrossing
rivulet: small stream
robust: strong; vigorous
rococo: ornate; highly decorated
roil :make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb
rolling :(of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes; happening continuously by stages
romp: play or frolic boisterously; gambol
rooster :cock; adult male chicken
roseate :rosy; optimistic
roster: list (of names)
rostrum: raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
rote: repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding
rotund : (of a person) fat and round
rotunda: circular building or hall covered with a dome
rotundity: roundness; sonorousness of speech
rousing: lively; inducing excitement; stirring
rouse: waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up
rout :put to rout; stampede; drive out
rubble :fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)
rubric: title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol
ruddy :reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy-looking
rudimentary: elementary; not developed; crude
rudiment: fundamental element or principle
rue :regret; lament; mourn
ruffian:violent scoundrel; bully
rumble: make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or stomach)
ruminant :animal that ruminates
ruminate: chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)
rummage: ransack; thoroughly search
run-down : (of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition; (of a person) weak or exhausted
runic: mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet
rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm
ruse: trick to deceive; stratagem
rustic :pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; simple; crude; uncouth
rusticate :banish to the country; dwell in the country
rustle: make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together
ruthless: pitiless; merciless; cruel
saboteur: one who commits
sabotage; destroyer of property
Sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried out secretly)
saccharine: cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or saccharin
sacrilegious :desecrating; profane
sacrilege: desecration, misuse, or theft of something sacred
sacrosanct: inviolably sacred; most sacred; inviolable
sadistic :inclined to cruelty
saga :Scandinavian myth; any legend; long heroic narrative
sagacious: wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight
sage :person celebrated for wisdom; wise person
salacious: lascivious; lustful
salient :prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicuous
saline: salty
sallow : (of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking; sickly in color
salubrious :healthful; conducive to health or well-being; socially desirable
salutary :tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome
salvage: rescue (goods or property) from loss
sanctimonious: displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness
sanction: approve; ratify
sanctuary: place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place
sanguinary :bloody; with much bloodshed
sanguine :optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood; red
sap :diminish; weaken; undermine the foundations of (a fortification)
sarcasm :cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging rebuke
sardonic:scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cynical
sartorial: pertaining to tailors or tailoring
sate :satisfy to the full; satisfy to excess; cloy
satellite: small body revolving around a larger one
satiate: satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger); sate
satiety: condition of being satiated
satire: form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly
satirical: using satire; mocking
saturate: soak thoroughly; imbue; impregnate; charge; fill to capacity
saturnine: morose; gloomy
satyr :half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wanton(unrestrained) and cunning; lecher
saunter: stroll(go for a leisurely walk) slowly
savant : scholar; learned person
savor: enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality
savory: pleasant in taste; tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable
scabbard :case for a sword blade; sheath
scad :a great quantity
scaffold :temporary platform for workers (to work at heights above the ground)
scale : climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales
scanty :meager; insufficient
scapegoat: someone who bears the blame for others; whipping boy
scavenge: hunt through discarded materials for usable items or food; search, especially for food
scavenger: one who scavenges; animal that feeds on refuse and carrion
scenario: plot outline; screenplay(script for a movie); opera libretto; outline of possible future events
schematic: of a schema or scheme; relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols
scheme :systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; orderly arrangement of elements
schism :division into factions (esp. within a religious body); split
scholarly :full of learning; erudite; like a scholar
scintilla: trace; minute amount; shred; least bit
scintillate: sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life
scion: detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant
scoff :laugh (at); mock; ridicule
scorch: sear
score: number of points; written form of a musical composition; reason; group of 20; notch or incision
scotch :stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder
scourge :lash; whip (formerly used for punishment); source of severe punishment
scowl :frown angrily
scrap: small bit or fragment; discarded waste material; fight
scrappy :quarrelsome
scraps: leftover food
screech: unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek
scrimmage: disorderly fight between two or more people
scruple: hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about
scrupulous: conscientious; extremely thorough
scrutinize: examine closely and critically
scuffle: struggle confusedly; move off in a confused hurry
scurrilous :abusive; obscene; indecent
scurry :move hastily; hurry; move briskly
scurvy :contemptible; despicable
scuttle: sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap; discard
seamy :sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome
sear :burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch; cause (a plant) to wither
season: enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; inure; harden
seasonable: occurring at the proper time or season; opportune
seasonal: of a particular season
seasoned :experienced
secession: withdrawal
secede: withdraw formally from membership
seclusion: isolation; solitude
seclude: set apart from others; isolate
secrete: conceal; hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an organism
sect: separate religious body; faction; group of people with common beliefs within a larger group
sectarian: of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial
secular: worldly; not pertaining to church matters or religion; temporal
sedate :composed (with no excitement); grave
sedentary: requiring sitting; done while sitting; not moving from one place to another; settled
sedition :conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebellion; resistance to authority; insubordination
seduce :lead away from proper conduct; entice
sedulous :diligent; assiduous; paying attention
seedy: run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many seeds
seemly: (of behavior) proper; appropriate
seep: pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle
seethe: be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move about wildly as if boiling
seine: seine net; net for catching fish
seismic :pertaining to earthquakes
selective: careful in choosing; having an effect only on certain things; not general
self-indulgence: excessive indulgence of one’s own desire
self-righteous: sure of one’s own righteousness; moralistic
semblance :outward appearance; guise
seminal :related to seed or semen; germinal; creative; providing a basis for further development
seminary: school for training future ministers; secondary school, especially for young women
senility: old age; feeblemindedness of old age
senile : resulting from old age; showing the weakness of body or mind from old age
sensitization: process of being made sensitive or acutely responsive to an external agent or substance
sensitize: make or become sensitive
sensual :devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal; voluptuous
sensuous: giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses
sententious: pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic
sentient :capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive
sentimental: swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments
sentinel :sentry; lookout
septic: of or causing sepsis; putrid; producing putrefaction
sepsis: poisoning of part of the body (producing pus)
sepulcher: tomb
sequester: isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life
sere sear: parched; dry
serendipity: gift for finding valuable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck
serenity: calmness; placidity
serpentine: winding; twisting; of or like a serpent
serrated :having a saw-toothed edge
servile: slavish; cringing
servitude :slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment
sever :separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up (a relationship)
severity :harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity
severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense
sextant :navigation tool used to determine a ship’s latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)
shack :crude cabin
shackle: chain; fetter; confine with shackles
shade: slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color
sham :pretend; feign
Shambles: (place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin; wreck; mess
Shangri-la: imaginary remote paradise on earth
shard: fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay bowl, or cup)
shaving: very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a surface with a sharp blade)
sheaf: bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together
shear :remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears
sheathe: place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath
shed :small roofed structure for storage and shelter
sheer: pure; thin and transparent; very steep
sherbet: flavored dessert ice
shift: change position or place; exchange (one thing) for another; change in direction or position
shimmer: shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently
shirk :avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger
shoddy :made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; inferior; dishonest
shoot: new growth from a plant
shove: push forward; push roughly
shrew: scolding woman; very small mouse like animal
shrewd :clever; astute
shrivel: make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often by drying)
shudder: shake uncontrollably; tremble
shuffle :mix together; jumble; move (something) from one place to another
shun: keep away from; avoid deliberately
shunt: move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack
shyster: lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner
sibling: brother or sister
sibylline: prophetic; oracular
sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)
sidereal: relating to stars
sidetrack: switch (a railroad car) to a siding; divert from a main issue
sift: put through a sieve to separate fine from coarse particles; sort or examine carefully
significant : expressing a meaning; important
significance: importance; meaning
signify: denote
silt: sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance to a harbor or by a bend in a river)
simian: monkeylike
simile: comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as
simper: smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly
simplistic: oversimplified
simulate: feign; imitate
sinecure: well-paid position with little responsibility
sinewy : (of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular
sinew : tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone
singular: being only one; individual; unique; extraordinary; odd
sinister: evil; ominous
sinuous: twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally honest
siren :apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature
skeptic: sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view
skiff :small light sailboat or rowboat
skim: read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid
skimp: provide or use scantily; live very economically
skimpy: inadequate in amount; scanty
stingy: niggardly
skinflint :miser; stingy person
skirmish :minor fight; minor battle in war
skittish :inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious
skullduggery: dishonest behavior or action
skulk: move furtively and secretly
slack: moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope) loose; negligent; lax
slacken: slow up; loosen; make or become slack
slag :glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter
slake: satisfy (thirst); quench; sate
slander :defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements
slap: hit quickly with the flat part of the hand
slapdash :hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)
slaughter: killing of animals for food; massacre
slavish: of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality; copied very closely
sleazy :shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial
sledge: large sled drawn by work animals
sleek: smooth and shining (as from good health)
sleeper: one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance
sleigh :large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice
sleight: dexterity
sleight: of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks
slew : large quantity or number
slick: make smooth or glossy
slight: insult to one’s dignity; snub
slink: move furtively
slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)
slipshod : slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby
slither: slip or slide
sloth: slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness
slothful: lazy; indolent
slough: (of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin)
slovenly: untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod
sloven :one who is habitually untidy or careless
sluggard: lazy person
sluggish: lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic
sluice :artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)
slur :pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble
sly :clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one’s intentions
smart: intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable
smattering: slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount
smear: spread or cover with a sticky substance
smelt: melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition
smirk: conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile (often at someone else’s misfortune)
smolder: burn slowly without flame; be liable to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state
smother: kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly
smudge: dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing
smug: self-satisfied; complacent
sneak: move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way
snicker: half-stifled(suppressed) laugh
snip: short quick cut with scissors
snivel: complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle
snub: ignore or behave coldly toward
snuffle :sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid from running out of the nose)
soar: rise or fly high in the air
sober: serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or temperate
sobriety: moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness
sodden: thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink
sojourn: temporary stay
solace :comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation
solder: repair or make whole by using a metal alloy
solecism: nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically
solemnity: seriousness; gravity
solicit :entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain
solicitor: lawyer in the lower court of law
solicitous: anxious; worried; concerned; eager
soliloquy: talking to oneself (esp. in a play)
soliloquy: long speech by one person
solitude :state of being alone; seclusion
solitary: existing or living alone
solstice: point or time at which the sun is farthest from the equator
soluble :able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked out or solved
solvent :substance that dissolves another
somatic: pertaining to the body; bodily; physical
somber :dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing
somnambulist:sleepwalker
somnolent: half asleep; drowsy
sonic: of sound or its speed in air
sonnet :14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern
sonorous: resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound
soothsayer: one who foretells the future
sophist: teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning
sophism : plausible but fallacious argument
sophisticated: worldly wise and urbane; refined; complex
sophistry :seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism
sophomoric: immature; half-baked; like a sophomore
soporific: sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy
sordid: filthy; foul; base; vile
sound: in good condition; showing good judgment or good sense; thorough; complete
sour: having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-tempered
sovereign :ruler in a monarchy
sovereignty :complete independence and self-government (of a country); supremacy of authority; power to govern
sow: plant or scatter seed
spangle: small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation
spare :give; use; refrain from harming; save from experiencing; exempt
sparse :not thick; thinly scattered; scanty
Spartan :without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined
spasmodic: fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm
spasm: sudden involuntary muscular contraction
spat :squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel
spate :sudden flood or rush
spatial :relating to space
spatula: broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing
spawn: lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in large numbers)
specious :seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)
speck :small piece or mark
spectral: ghostly
specter: ghost; phantom
spectrum :colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism
speechless: unable for the moment to speak (because of strong feeling)
spendthrift :someone who wastes money
sphinx-like: enigmatic; mysterious
spin: rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton, wool, etc.)
splice: join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite
spoilsport: one who spoils the pleasure of others
spontaneity: lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint
spoof: parody
spoonerism: accidental transposition of sounds in successive words; Ex. Let me sew you to your sheet for Let me show you to your seat.
sporadic :occurring irregularly; intermittent
sportive: playful; frolicsome; merry
sprout :begin to grow; give off shoots or buds
spruce :neat and trim in appearance; smart
spry : (esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble
spurious: false; counterfeit; forged; illogical
spurn :reject disdainfully; scorn
Squabble :minor quarrel; bickering
squalor :condition of being squalid; filth; degradation; dirty neglected state
squalid: dirty; sordid; morally repulsive
squander: waste; spend foolishly
squash: crush; quash; suppress
squat: short and thick; stocky
squeamish :easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant things; fastidious
squelch :produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash
staccato :played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound
stagnant : (of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); motionless; stale; not developing; inactive
staid :serious and sedate; sober
stalemate: deadlock; situation in which further action is blocked
stalwart :physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in mind or determination
stamina :power of endurance; strength; staying power
stammer :speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions
stamp: step on heavily (so as to crush or extinguish); put an end to; imprint or impress with a mark, design
stampede: sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken animals or people)
stanch :stop or check flow of blood
standstill :condition of no movement or activity; stop
stanza :division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)
start: move suddenly or involuntarily
Sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried out secretly)
saccharine: cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or saccharin
sacrilegious :desecrating; profane
sacrilege: desecration, misuse, or theft of something sacred
sacrosanct: inviolably sacred; most sacred; inviolable
sadistic :inclined to cruelty
saga :Scandinavian myth; any legend; long heroic narrative
sagacious: wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight
sage :person celebrated for wisdom; wise person
salacious: lascivious; lustful
salient :prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicuous
saline: salty
sallow : (of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking; sickly in color
salubrious :healthful; conducive to health or well-being; socially desirable
salutary :tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome
salvage: rescue (goods or property) from loss
sanctimonious: displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness
sanction: approve; ratify
sanctuary: place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place
sanguinary :bloody; with much bloodshed
sanguine :optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood; red
sap :diminish; weaken; undermine the foundations of (a fortification)
sarcasm :cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging rebuke
sardonic:scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cynical
sartorial: pertaining to tailors or tailoring
sate :satisfy to the full; satisfy to excess; cloy
satellite: small body revolving around a larger one
satiate: satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger); sate
satiety: condition of being satiated
satire: form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly
satirical: using satire; mocking
saturate: soak thoroughly; imbue; impregnate; charge; fill to capacity
saturnine: morose; gloomy
satyr :half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wanton(unrestrained) and cunning; lecher
saunter: stroll(go for a leisurely walk) slowly
savant : scholar; learned person
savor: enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality
savory: pleasant in taste; tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable
scabbard :case for a sword blade; sheath
scad :a great quantity
scaffold :temporary platform for workers (to work at heights above the ground)
scale : climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales
scanty :meager; insufficient
scapegoat: someone who bears the blame for others; whipping boy
scavenge: hunt through discarded materials for usable items or food; search, especially for food
scavenger: one who scavenges; animal that feeds on refuse and carrion
scenario: plot outline; screenplay(script for a movie); opera libretto; outline of possible future events
schematic: of a schema or scheme; relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols
scheme :systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; orderly arrangement of elements
schism :division into factions (esp. within a religious body); split
scholarly :full of learning; erudite; like a scholar
scintilla: trace; minute amount; shred; least bit
scintillate: sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life
scion: detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant
scoff :laugh (at); mock; ridicule
scorch: sear
score: number of points; written form of a musical composition; reason; group of 20; notch or incision
scotch :stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder
scourge :lash; whip (formerly used for punishment); source of severe punishment
scowl :frown angrily
scrap: small bit or fragment; discarded waste material; fight
scrappy :quarrelsome
scraps: leftover food
screech: unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek
scrimmage: disorderly fight between two or more people
scruple: hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about
scrupulous: conscientious; extremely thorough
scrutinize: examine closely and critically
scuffle: struggle confusedly; move off in a confused hurry
scurrilous :abusive; obscene; indecent
scurry :move hastily; hurry; move briskly
scurvy :contemptible; despicable
scuttle: sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap; discard
seamy :sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome
sear :burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch; cause (a plant) to wither
season: enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; inure; harden
seasonable: occurring at the proper time or season; opportune
seasonal: of a particular season
seasoned :experienced
secession: withdrawal
secede: withdraw formally from membership
seclusion: isolation; solitude
seclude: set apart from others; isolate
secrete: conceal; hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an organism
sect: separate religious body; faction; group of people with common beliefs within a larger group
sectarian: of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial
secular: worldly; not pertaining to church matters or religion; temporal
sedate :composed (with no excitement); grave
sedentary: requiring sitting; done while sitting; not moving from one place to another; settled
sedition :conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebellion; resistance to authority; insubordination
seduce :lead away from proper conduct; entice
sedulous :diligent; assiduous; paying attention
seedy: run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many seeds
seemly: (of behavior) proper; appropriate
seep: pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle
seethe: be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move about wildly as if boiling
seine: seine net; net for catching fish
seismic :pertaining to earthquakes
selective: careful in choosing; having an effect only on certain things; not general
self-indulgence: excessive indulgence of one’s own desire
self-righteous: sure of one’s own righteousness; moralistic
semblance :outward appearance; guise
seminal :related to seed or semen; germinal; creative; providing a basis for further development
seminary: school for training future ministers; secondary school, especially for young women
senility: old age; feeblemindedness of old age
senile : resulting from old age; showing the weakness of body or mind from old age
sensitization: process of being made sensitive or acutely responsive to an external agent or substance
sensitize: make or become sensitive
sensual :devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal; voluptuous
sensuous: giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses
sententious: pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic
sentient :capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive
sentimental: swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments
sentinel :sentry; lookout
septic: of or causing sepsis; putrid; producing putrefaction
sepsis: poisoning of part of the body (producing pus)
sepulcher: tomb
sequester: isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life
sere sear: parched; dry
serendipity: gift for finding valuable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck
serenity: calmness; placidity
serpentine: winding; twisting; of or like a serpent
serrated :having a saw-toothed edge
servile: slavish; cringing
servitude :slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment
sever :separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up (a relationship)
severity :harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity
severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense
sextant :navigation tool used to determine a ship’s latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)
shack :crude cabin
shackle: chain; fetter; confine with shackles
shade: slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color
sham :pretend; feign
Shambles: (place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin; wreck; mess
Shangri-la: imaginary remote paradise on earth
shard: fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay bowl, or cup)
shaving: very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a surface with a sharp blade)
sheaf: bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together
shear :remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears
sheathe: place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath
shed :small roofed structure for storage and shelter
sheer: pure; thin and transparent; very steep
sherbet: flavored dessert ice
shift: change position or place; exchange (one thing) for another; change in direction or position
shimmer: shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently
shirk :avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger
shoddy :made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; inferior; dishonest
shoot: new growth from a plant
shove: push forward; push roughly
shrew: scolding woman; very small mouse like animal
shrewd :clever; astute
shrivel: make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often by drying)
shudder: shake uncontrollably; tremble
shuffle :mix together; jumble; move (something) from one place to another
shun: keep away from; avoid deliberately
shunt: move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack
shyster: lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner
sibling: brother or sister
sibylline: prophetic; oracular
sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)
sidereal: relating to stars
sidetrack: switch (a railroad car) to a siding; divert from a main issue
sift: put through a sieve to separate fine from coarse particles; sort or examine carefully
significant : expressing a meaning; important
significance: importance; meaning
signify: denote
silt: sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance to a harbor or by a bend in a river)
simian: monkeylike
simile: comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as
simper: smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly
simplistic: oversimplified
simulate: feign; imitate
sinecure: well-paid position with little responsibility
sinewy : (of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular
sinew : tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone
singular: being only one; individual; unique; extraordinary; odd
sinister: evil; ominous
sinuous: twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally honest
siren :apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature
skeptic: sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view
skiff :small light sailboat or rowboat
skim: read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid
skimp: provide or use scantily; live very economically
skimpy: inadequate in amount; scanty
stingy: niggardly
skinflint :miser; stingy person
skirmish :minor fight; minor battle in war
skittish :inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious
skullduggery: dishonest behavior or action
skulk: move furtively and secretly
slack: moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope) loose; negligent; lax
slacken: slow up; loosen; make or become slack
slag :glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter
slake: satisfy (thirst); quench; sate
slander :defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements
slap: hit quickly with the flat part of the hand
slapdash :hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)
slaughter: killing of animals for food; massacre
slavish: of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality; copied very closely
sleazy :shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial
sledge: large sled drawn by work animals
sleek: smooth and shining (as from good health)
sleeper: one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance
sleigh :large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice
sleight: dexterity
sleight: of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks
slew : large quantity or number
slick: make smooth or glossy
slight: insult to one’s dignity; snub
slink: move furtively
slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)
slipshod : slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby
slither: slip or slide
sloth: slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness
slothful: lazy; indolent
slough: (of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin)
slovenly: untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod
sloven :one who is habitually untidy or careless
sluggard: lazy person
sluggish: lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic
sluice :artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)
slur :pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble
sly :clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one’s intentions
smart: intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable
smattering: slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount
smear: spread or cover with a sticky substance
smelt: melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition
smirk: conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile (often at someone else’s misfortune)
smolder: burn slowly without flame; be liable to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state
smother: kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly
smudge: dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing
smug: self-satisfied; complacent
sneak: move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way
snicker: half-stifled(suppressed) laugh
snip: short quick cut with scissors
snivel: complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle
snub: ignore or behave coldly toward
snuffle :sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid from running out of the nose)
soar: rise or fly high in the air
sober: serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or temperate
sobriety: moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness
sodden: thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink
sojourn: temporary stay
solace :comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation
solder: repair or make whole by using a metal alloy
solecism: nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically
solemnity: seriousness; gravity
solicit :entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain
solicitor: lawyer in the lower court of law
solicitous: anxious; worried; concerned; eager
soliloquy: talking to oneself (esp. in a play)
soliloquy: long speech by one person
solitude :state of being alone; seclusion
solitary: existing or living alone
solstice: point or time at which the sun is farthest from the equator
soluble :able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked out or solved
solvent :substance that dissolves another
somatic: pertaining to the body; bodily; physical
somber :dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing
somnambulist:sleepwalker
somnolent: half asleep; drowsy
sonic: of sound or its speed in air
sonnet :14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern
sonorous: resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound
soothsayer: one who foretells the future
sophist: teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning
sophism : plausible but fallacious argument
sophisticated: worldly wise and urbane; refined; complex
sophistry :seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism
sophomoric: immature; half-baked; like a sophomore
soporific: sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy
sordid: filthy; foul; base; vile
sound: in good condition; showing good judgment or good sense; thorough; complete
sour: having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-tempered
sovereign :ruler in a monarchy
sovereignty :complete independence and self-government (of a country); supremacy of authority; power to govern
sow: plant or scatter seed
spangle: small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation
spare :give; use; refrain from harming; save from experiencing; exempt
sparse :not thick; thinly scattered; scanty
Spartan :without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined
spasmodic: fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm
spasm: sudden involuntary muscular contraction
spat :squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel
spate :sudden flood or rush
spatial :relating to space
spatula: broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing
spawn: lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in large numbers)
specious :seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)
speck :small piece or mark
spectral: ghostly
specter: ghost; phantom
spectrum :colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism
speechless: unable for the moment to speak (because of strong feeling)
spendthrift :someone who wastes money
sphinx-like: enigmatic; mysterious
spin: rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton, wool, etc.)
splice: join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite
spoilsport: one who spoils the pleasure of others
spontaneity: lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint
spoof: parody
spoonerism: accidental transposition of sounds in successive words; Ex. Let me sew you to your sheet for Let me show you to your seat.
sporadic :occurring irregularly; intermittent
sportive: playful; frolicsome; merry
sprout :begin to grow; give off shoots or buds
spruce :neat and trim in appearance; smart
spry : (esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble
spurious: false; counterfeit; forged; illogical
spurn :reject disdainfully; scorn
Squabble :minor quarrel; bickering
squalor :condition of being squalid; filth; degradation; dirty neglected state
squalid: dirty; sordid; morally repulsive
squander: waste; spend foolishly
squash: crush; quash; suppress
squat: short and thick; stocky
squeamish :easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant things; fastidious
squelch :produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash
staccato :played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound
stagnant : (of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); motionless; stale; not developing; inactive
staid :serious and sedate; sober
stalemate: deadlock; situation in which further action is blocked
stalwart :physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in mind or determination
stamina :power of endurance; strength; staying power
stammer :speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions
stamp: step on heavily (so as to crush or extinguish); put an end to; imprint or impress with a mark, design
stampede: sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken animals or people)
stanch :stop or check flow of blood
standstill :condition of no movement or activity; stop
stanza :division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)
start: move suddenly or involuntarily
stately : formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size;
majestic
static: having no motion; unchanging; lacking development
statute :law enacted by the legislature
statutory :created by statute or legislative action; regulated by statute
steadfast: steadily loyal; unswerving; steady
stealth: action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness
steep :soak; saturate
stellar: pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; outstanding
stem :stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding from the slashed artery
stench: strong foul odor; reek; stink
stentorian : (of the voice) extremely loud
Stentor:a loud herald in the Iliad
stereotype: one regarded as embodying a set image or type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized mental picture often reflecting prejudice
sterile: incapable of producing young; free from microorganism
stickler: perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right
stifle: suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
stigma :token of disgrace; brand
stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful
stilted :bombastic; stiffly pompous
stink: stench
stint: supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion of work; limitation
stipend: pay for services
stipple :paint or draw with dots or short strokes
stipulate: state as a necessary condition (of an agreement); make express conditions; specify
stock :standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typical; routine; common
stockade :wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier
stodgy: dull; stuffy; boringly conservative
stoic :stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief
stoke :stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully
stolid :dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected
stoop :bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something
stout: rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute; determined; strong in determination
straggle :stray or fall behind (a main group); spread out in a scattered group
strangle: kill by choking or suffocating; suppress
stratagem :deceptive scheme; clever trick
stratified: divided into classes; arranged into strata
stratum :layer of earth’s surface; layer of society
strew :spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter
striated :marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved
stricture :severe and adverse criticism; critical comments; limit or restriction
strident: loud and harsh; insistent
stringent: (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of money
strut :supporting bar
studied :carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful
studious :given to diligent study
stultify :make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; suppress
stumble :trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly
stump :base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut down
stun :make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze; astound
stupefy: stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze
stupor: state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness
sturdy :strong and firm (in the body)
stygian :unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly
Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead
stymie: thwart; present an obstacle; stump
suavity : urbanity; polish
suave: smooth and courteous
subaltern: subordinate
subdue: less intense; quieter
subjective: influenced by personal feelings; occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal
subjugate: conquer; bring under control
sublimate: refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with socially acceptable activities; change between a solid state and a gaseous state
sublime :causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect, etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter
subliminal: below the threshold of conscious perception
submerge :place under water; dip; go under water; cover completely (as with water)
submissive: willing to obey orders; yielding; timid
subordinate: occupying a lower rank; inferior; submissive
suborn :persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury)
subpoena: writ(written command issued by a court) summoning a witness to appear in court
subsequent: following in time or order; later
subservient: behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious; subordinate
subside: sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet
subsidiary: serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of a subsidy
subsidy :direct financial aid by government
subsidize: assist with a subsidy
subsistence: existence; means of subsisting; means of support; livelihood
subsist :exist; maintain life (at a meager level)
substantial :of substance; material; solid; essential or fundamental; ample; considerable
substantiate: support (a claim) with evidence; establish with evidence; verify
substantive: substantial; essential; pertaining to the substance; substantial; considerable
subsume :include (as a member of a group); encompass
subterfuge :stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion
subtlety: perceptiveness; ingenuity; delicacy
subtle: delicate; so slight as to be difficult to detect; able to make fine distinctions; clever
subversive: tending to overthrow or ruin
subvert :overthrow completely (an established system); destroy completely
succor: assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort
succulent :juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness
succumb: yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die
suckle: give or take milk at the breast or udder
suffocate:die or kill from lack of air; suppress
suffragist :advocate of the extension of voting rights (for women)
suffuse: spread through or over (with a color or liquid); charge
suitor: man who is courting a woman
sullen :silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy
sully: defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one’s hands in menial labor
sultry: (of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous
summation: act of finding the total; summing-up; summary
sumptuous: grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich
sunder: separate; part
sundry : miscellaneous; various; several
sundries: small miscellaneous items
superannuated: retired or disqualified because of age; outmoded; obsolete
supercilious: haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing
supererogatory: superfluous; more than needed or demanded
superficial :of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough; trivial
superfluous: excessive; overabundant; unnecessary
superimpose :place over something else
supernumerary :person or thing excess of what is necessary; extra
supersede: replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete
supine: lying on back; passive; inactive
supplant: take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace
supple :flexible; limber; pliant
suppliant :entreating; beseeching
supplicant :one who supplicates
supplicate :petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
supposition: assumption; hypothesis; surmise
supposititious: assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical
suppress: put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; overwhelm; inhibit the expression of; check
surfeit :satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to excess in anything
surge :powerful movement of or like a wave
surly: bad-tempered; rude; cross
surmise: guess
surmount :overcome
surpass: exceed
surreptitious: done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden
surrogate: substitute; person or thing used in place of another
surveillance: close observation of a person (esp. one under suspicion); watching; guarding
susceptible: impressionable; easily influenced; sensitive; having little resistance as to a disease; likely to suffer; receptive to
suspend: cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in abeyance; defer; hang from above
suspense :state of being undecided; anxiety or apprehension resulting from uncertainty
sustain :suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop; maintain; keep in existence
sustenance :sustaining; means of livelihood, support, food, nourishment; food
suture :stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision
swagger :walk or behave with an over-confident manner
swamp :wetland; marsh
swarm: large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of people or animals
swarthy : (of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky
swathe: swath; wrap around; bandage
sway: swing from side to side; influence (someone) to change one’s opinion
swear: vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive words
swear-word :word considered offensive
swell: long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking
swelter : (of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be oppressed by heat
swerve: deviate; turn aside sharply from a straight course
swill: drink greedily
swindler :cheater
swipe: hit with a sweeping motion
sybarite :lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury
Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
sycophant: servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man
syllogism: logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious argument
sylvan :pertaining to the woods or the country
symbiosis: interdependent relationship (between groups, species) often mutually beneficial
symmetry: arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity
synchronous: similarly timed; simultaneous with; occurring at the same time
synoptic: providing a general overview; summary
synthesis: combining parts or separate things into a whole; the whole so formed
synthetic: not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis
static: having no motion; unchanging; lacking development
statute :law enacted by the legislature
statutory :created by statute or legislative action; regulated by statute
steadfast: steadily loyal; unswerving; steady
stealth: action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness
steep :soak; saturate
stellar: pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; outstanding
stem :stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding from the slashed artery
stench: strong foul odor; reek; stink
stentorian : (of the voice) extremely loud
Stentor:a loud herald in the Iliad
stereotype: one regarded as embodying a set image or type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized mental picture often reflecting prejudice
sterile: incapable of producing young; free from microorganism
stickler: perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right
stifle: suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
stigma :token of disgrace; brand
stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful
stilted :bombastic; stiffly pompous
stink: stench
stint: supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion of work; limitation
stipend: pay for services
stipple :paint or draw with dots or short strokes
stipulate: state as a necessary condition (of an agreement); make express conditions; specify
stock :standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typical; routine; common
stockade :wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier
stodgy: dull; stuffy; boringly conservative
stoic :stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief
stoke :stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully
stolid :dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected
stoop :bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something
stout: rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute; determined; strong in determination
straggle :stray or fall behind (a main group); spread out in a scattered group
strangle: kill by choking or suffocating; suppress
stratagem :deceptive scheme; clever trick
stratified: divided into classes; arranged into strata
stratum :layer of earth’s surface; layer of society
strew :spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter
striated :marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved
stricture :severe and adverse criticism; critical comments; limit or restriction
strident: loud and harsh; insistent
stringent: (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of money
strut :supporting bar
studied :carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful
studious :given to diligent study
stultify :make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; suppress
stumble :trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly
stump :base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut down
stun :make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze; astound
stupefy: stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze
stupor: state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness
sturdy :strong and firm (in the body)
stygian :unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly
Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead
stymie: thwart; present an obstacle; stump
suavity : urbanity; polish
suave: smooth and courteous
subaltern: subordinate
subdue: less intense; quieter
subjective: influenced by personal feelings; occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal
subjugate: conquer; bring under control
sublimate: refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with socially acceptable activities; change between a solid state and a gaseous state
sublime :causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect, etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter
subliminal: below the threshold of conscious perception
submerge :place under water; dip; go under water; cover completely (as with water)
submissive: willing to obey orders; yielding; timid
subordinate: occupying a lower rank; inferior; submissive
suborn :persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury)
subpoena: writ(written command issued by a court) summoning a witness to appear in court
subsequent: following in time or order; later
subservient: behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious; subordinate
subside: sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet
subsidiary: serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of a subsidy
subsidy :direct financial aid by government
subsidize: assist with a subsidy
subsistence: existence; means of subsisting; means of support; livelihood
subsist :exist; maintain life (at a meager level)
substantial :of substance; material; solid; essential or fundamental; ample; considerable
substantiate: support (a claim) with evidence; establish with evidence; verify
substantive: substantial; essential; pertaining to the substance; substantial; considerable
subsume :include (as a member of a group); encompass
subterfuge :stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion
subtlety: perceptiveness; ingenuity; delicacy
subtle: delicate; so slight as to be difficult to detect; able to make fine distinctions; clever
subversive: tending to overthrow or ruin
subvert :overthrow completely (an established system); destroy completely
succor: assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort
succulent :juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness
succumb: yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die
suckle: give or take milk at the breast or udder
suffocate:die or kill from lack of air; suppress
suffragist :advocate of the extension of voting rights (for women)
suffuse: spread through or over (with a color or liquid); charge
suitor: man who is courting a woman
sullen :silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy
sully: defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one’s hands in menial labor
sultry: (of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous
summation: act of finding the total; summing-up; summary
sumptuous: grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich
sunder: separate; part
sundry : miscellaneous; various; several
sundries: small miscellaneous items
superannuated: retired or disqualified because of age; outmoded; obsolete
supercilious: haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing
supererogatory: superfluous; more than needed or demanded
superficial :of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough; trivial
superfluous: excessive; overabundant; unnecessary
superimpose :place over something else
supernumerary :person or thing excess of what is necessary; extra
supersede: replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete
supine: lying on back; passive; inactive
supplant: take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace
supple :flexible; limber; pliant
suppliant :entreating; beseeching
supplicant :one who supplicates
supplicate :petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
supposition: assumption; hypothesis; surmise
supposititious: assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical
suppress: put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; overwhelm; inhibit the expression of; check
surfeit :satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to excess in anything
surge :powerful movement of or like a wave
surly: bad-tempered; rude; cross
surmise: guess
surmount :overcome
surpass: exceed
surreptitious: done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden
surrogate: substitute; person or thing used in place of another
surveillance: close observation of a person (esp. one under suspicion); watching; guarding
susceptible: impressionable; easily influenced; sensitive; having little resistance as to a disease; likely to suffer; receptive to
suspend: cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in abeyance; defer; hang from above
suspense :state of being undecided; anxiety or apprehension resulting from uncertainty
sustain :suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop; maintain; keep in existence
sustenance :sustaining; means of livelihood, support, food, nourishment; food
suture :stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision
swagger :walk or behave with an over-confident manner
swamp :wetland; marsh
swarm: large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of people or animals
swarthy : (of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky
swathe: swath; wrap around; bandage
sway: swing from side to side; influence (someone) to change one’s opinion
swear: vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive words
swear-word :word considered offensive
swell: long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking
swelter : (of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be oppressed by heat
swerve: deviate; turn aside sharply from a straight course
swill: drink greedily
swindler :cheater
swipe: hit with a sweeping motion
sybarite :lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury
Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
sycophant: servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man
syllogism: logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious argument
sylvan :pertaining to the woods or the country
symbiosis: interdependent relationship (between groups, species) often mutually beneficial
symmetry: arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity
synchronous: similarly timed; simultaneous with; occurring at the same time
synoptic: providing a general overview; summary
synthesis: combining parts or separate things into a whole; the whole so formed
synthetic: not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis
T
tablet :small round piece of medicine; flat piece of
stone or metal bearing an inscription
tacit: understood (without actually being expressed); not put into words
taciturn: habitually silent; talking little
tact: skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without causing offence
tactful :careful no to cause offence
tactile: pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
taint: contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a trace of something bad
takeoff :burlesque; act of leaving the ground
talisman: charm; object believed to give supernatural powers to or protect its bearer
talon :claw of bird
tan: convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure to the sun
tangential: only slightly connected; not central; peripheral; digressing; showing divergence
tangible : able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable; possible to realize or understand
tanner: person who turns animal hides into leather
tantalize : tease; excite by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment
tantamount: equivalent in effect or value
tantrum: fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice
taper: very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width of a long object
tarantula: venomous spider
tardy: slow; sluggish; not on time; late
tarnish: make or become dull or discolored
tarry: linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle
tart: sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic
tatter: torn piece of cloth
tattered: (of clothes) old and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes
taunt: deride or provoke; challenge in derision
taut: tight strained; tense; ready
tautological: needlessly repetitious
tautology: needless repetition of the same sense
tawdry : cheap and gaudy
tawny : brownish yellow
taxonomist: specialist in classifying (animals, etc.)
tedium : boredom; weariness
teetotalism : practice of abstaining totally from alcoholic drinks
temerity: boldness; nerve; rashness
temper : moderate; make less severe; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) as by alternate heating and cooling
temperament: characteristic frame of mind; disposition; emotional excess
temperamental: of temperament; having frequent changes of temper
temperate: moderate; restrained; self-controlled; moderate in respect to temperature
temperance: moderation and self-restraint; abstinence of alcoholic drinks
tempestuous: stormy; violent; impassioned
tempest: violent storm
tempo :speed of music
temporal: of time; not lasting forever; limited by time; temporary; secular; worldly
temporize: gain time as by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself
tenacious: holding fast (as to a belief); persistent
tenacity: firmness; persistence
tenancy: possession of land or building by rent; period of a tenant’s occupancy
tenant :one that pays rent to use property owned by another
tend: have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at; apply one’s attention; attend
tendentious: promoting a particular point of view; biased; having an aim; designed to further a cause
tender: offer formally; extend
tender :young and vulnerable; sensitive to the touch; sore; soft; delicate
tenet :doctrine; dogma
tensile: capable of being stretched; of tension
tension :stretching; condition of being stretched; mental strain; strained relationship between groups
tentative: not fully worked out or developed; provisional; experimental
tenuous: thin; slim; rare
tenure: holding of an office or real estate; time during which such an office is held
tepid :lukewarm; slightly warm; half-hearted; not eager
terminal: part that forms the end; railroad or bus station
termination: end
terminology: terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature
terminus :last stop of railroad; end
terrestrial: on or relating to the earth
terse :concise; abrupt; pithy
tertiary :third in order or rank
tessellated :mosaic; inlaid
testator :maker of a will
testy :irritable; impatient and bad-tempered; short-tempered
tether: tie (an animal) with a rope or tether
thematic :of a theme; relating to a unifying motif or idea
theocracy :government run by religious leaders
theoretical :based on theory; not practical or applied; hypothetical
therapeutic: curative
thermal: pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm
thesis: opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments
thespian :pertaining to drama
thrall: slave; bondage; slavery
thrash :beat with a whip or flail; defeat utterly; talk about thoroughly in order to find the answer
Threadbare: worn through till the threads show; shabby and poor; hackneyed
threat :sign or warning (of coming danger)
thresh: beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains from the straw
thrifty :careful about money; economical
thrive: prosper; flourish
throb: (of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently
throes: violent anguish
throng: crowd (of people or things)
throttle: strangle; regulate the speed of with a throttle
thwart :block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
tickle: touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please
tightwad :miser; excessively frugal person
tiller: handle used to move boat’s rudder (to steer)
timbre: quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument
timidity: lack of self-confidence or courage
timorous: fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
tinge: give a slight degree of a color or quality to
tint :slight degree of color
tipple: drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently
tirade: long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue; extended scolding; denunciation
titanic: gigantic
tithe :tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church)
titillate: tickle; excite pleasantly
title: name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal appellation as of rank or office
titter: nervous giggle; nervous laugh
titular :of a title; in name only; nominal; having the title of an office without the obligations
toady :servile flatterer; yes man; sycophant
toga :Roman outer robe
token :outward sign
toll: sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals
tome :large volume; book
tonsure: shaving of the head especially by person entering religious orders
topography :physical features of a region (such as the shape and height)
topple: become unsteady and fall down
torpedo: underwater explosive apparatus
torpor: lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy
torpid : lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating
torque :twisting force; force producing rotation
torrent :rushing stream; flood
torrid: (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate
torso: trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk
tortuous: winding; full of curves
toss: throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden motion; flip (a coin) to decide something
totem: animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family; representation of this
totter: shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall
touching: causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic
touch : cause to feel pity or sympathy
touchstone: stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion; standard
touchy :oversensitive; easily offended; irascible; delicate
tout: promote or publicize (one’s goods or service); praise excessively (as a form of advertisement)
toxic: poisonous
tract propaganda: pamphlet (esp. by a religious or political group); expanse of land
tractable: docile; easily managed
traduce: expose to slander
trajectory :path taken by a projectile
tramp :walk with a heavy step; travel on foot
trample :step heavily with the feet; crush under the feet
trance :hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from one’s physical surrounding
tranquility :calmness; peace
transcendent: exceeding ordinary limits; superior; surpassing
transcend : go beyond; exceed; surpass
transcendental: going beyond common thought or ideas; impossible to understand by practical experiences
transcribe: copy; write a copy of
transgression: violation of a law; sin
transgress: go beyond (a limit); violate; do wrong
transient: staying for a short time; momentary; temporary
transition :going from one state of action to another
transitory: transient; impermanent; fleeting
translucent: partly transparent
transmute :transform; change; convert to something different
transparent :permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected; obvious; clear
transpire: (of a fact) become known; be revealed; happen
transport :strong emotion; rapture
transpose: reverse the order or position of
trappings: outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward sign of rank)
traumatic: (of an experience) deeply shocking; pertaining to an injury caused by violence
travail :strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of childbirth
traverse :go through or across
travesty :copy or example of something that completely misrepresents the true nature of the real thing
tread :walk; trample
treasure: keep as precious; cherish
treatise :article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly
trek: travel; journey
tremor: trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from nervous agitation)
tremulous: trembling; wavering
trenchant :cutting; incisive; keen
trepidation: fear; nervous apprehension
tribulation: suffering; ordeal; distress; trial
tribunal :court of justice
tribune :official of ancient Rome elected by the plebian to protect their rights
tribute: tax levied by a ruler; payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission
trickle: flow in drops or in a thin stream
trickster: person who cheats people
trident :three-pronged spear
trifle :something of little importance or value; small amount
trifling :trivial; unimportant
trigger: set off; start
trilogy: group of three related works (connected by a shared subject but each complete in itself)
trim: make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by removing what is unnecessary
tidy: in good order
trinket: knickknack; bauble; cheap jewelry
trite: hackneyed; commonplace
trivia: trifles; unimportant matters
troth : pledge of good faith especially in betrothal; betrothal
trough: long narrow container for feeding farm animals; lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.)
truculence: aggressiveness; ferocity
truculent: aggressive; pugnacious; fierce
truism: self-evident truth
truncate: cut the top off; shorten
trunk :main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the head and limbs; torso
tryst :meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet
tumid : (of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous
tumult :commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar
tumultuous: noisy and disorderly
tundra: rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America
turbid: (of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed; muddy; thick
turbulence: state of violent agitation
turbulent: violently agitated or disturbed
tureen :deep dish for serving soup
turgid :swollen; distended (as from liquid)
turmoil :extreme confusion; great commotion and confusion
turncoat:traitor
turpitude:depravity; baseness
tutelage: guardianship; training; function of a tutor
tutelary :protective; pertaining to a guardianship
tycoon :wealthy and powerful businessperson
typhoon: tropical hurricane or cyclone
tyranny :oppression; cruel government
tyrannical : despotic
tyrannize : treat tyrannically; oppress
tyro : beginner; novice
tacit: understood (without actually being expressed); not put into words
taciturn: habitually silent; talking little
tact: skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without causing offence
tactful :careful no to cause offence
tactile: pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
taint: contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a trace of something bad
takeoff :burlesque; act of leaving the ground
talisman: charm; object believed to give supernatural powers to or protect its bearer
talon :claw of bird
tan: convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure to the sun
tangential: only slightly connected; not central; peripheral; digressing; showing divergence
tangible : able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable; possible to realize or understand
tanner: person who turns animal hides into leather
tantalize : tease; excite by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment
tantamount: equivalent in effect or value
tantrum: fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice
taper: very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width of a long object
tarantula: venomous spider
tardy: slow; sluggish; not on time; late
tarnish: make or become dull or discolored
tarry: linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle
tart: sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic
tatter: torn piece of cloth
tattered: (of clothes) old and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes
taunt: deride or provoke; challenge in derision
taut: tight strained; tense; ready
tautological: needlessly repetitious
tautology: needless repetition of the same sense
tawdry : cheap and gaudy
tawny : brownish yellow
taxonomist: specialist in classifying (animals, etc.)
tedium : boredom; weariness
teetotalism : practice of abstaining totally from alcoholic drinks
temerity: boldness; nerve; rashness
temper : moderate; make less severe; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) as by alternate heating and cooling
temperament: characteristic frame of mind; disposition; emotional excess
temperamental: of temperament; having frequent changes of temper
temperate: moderate; restrained; self-controlled; moderate in respect to temperature
temperance: moderation and self-restraint; abstinence of alcoholic drinks
tempestuous: stormy; violent; impassioned
tempest: violent storm
tempo :speed of music
temporal: of time; not lasting forever; limited by time; temporary; secular; worldly
temporize: gain time as by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself
tenacious: holding fast (as to a belief); persistent
tenacity: firmness; persistence
tenancy: possession of land or building by rent; period of a tenant’s occupancy
tenant :one that pays rent to use property owned by another
tend: have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at; apply one’s attention; attend
tendentious: promoting a particular point of view; biased; having an aim; designed to further a cause
tender: offer formally; extend
tender :young and vulnerable; sensitive to the touch; sore; soft; delicate
tenet :doctrine; dogma
tensile: capable of being stretched; of tension
tension :stretching; condition of being stretched; mental strain; strained relationship between groups
tentative: not fully worked out or developed; provisional; experimental
tenuous: thin; slim; rare
tenure: holding of an office or real estate; time during which such an office is held
tepid :lukewarm; slightly warm; half-hearted; not eager
terminal: part that forms the end; railroad or bus station
termination: end
terminology: terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature
terminus :last stop of railroad; end
terrestrial: on or relating to the earth
terse :concise; abrupt; pithy
tertiary :third in order or rank
tessellated :mosaic; inlaid
testator :maker of a will
testy :irritable; impatient and bad-tempered; short-tempered
tether: tie (an animal) with a rope or tether
thematic :of a theme; relating to a unifying motif or idea
theocracy :government run by religious leaders
theoretical :based on theory; not practical or applied; hypothetical
therapeutic: curative
thermal: pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm
thesis: opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments
thespian :pertaining to drama
thrall: slave; bondage; slavery
thrash :beat with a whip or flail; defeat utterly; talk about thoroughly in order to find the answer
Threadbare: worn through till the threads show; shabby and poor; hackneyed
threat :sign or warning (of coming danger)
thresh: beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains from the straw
thrifty :careful about money; economical
thrive: prosper; flourish
throb: (of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently
throes: violent anguish
throng: crowd (of people or things)
throttle: strangle; regulate the speed of with a throttle
thwart :block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
tickle: touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please
tightwad :miser; excessively frugal person
tiller: handle used to move boat’s rudder (to steer)
timbre: quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument
timidity: lack of self-confidence or courage
timorous: fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
tinge: give a slight degree of a color or quality to
tint :slight degree of color
tipple: drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently
tirade: long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue; extended scolding; denunciation
titanic: gigantic
tithe :tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church)
titillate: tickle; excite pleasantly
title: name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal appellation as of rank or office
titter: nervous giggle; nervous laugh
titular :of a title; in name only; nominal; having the title of an office without the obligations
toady :servile flatterer; yes man; sycophant
toga :Roman outer robe
token :outward sign
toll: sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals
tome :large volume; book
tonsure: shaving of the head especially by person entering religious orders
topography :physical features of a region (such as the shape and height)
topple: become unsteady and fall down
torpedo: underwater explosive apparatus
torpor: lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy
torpid : lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating
torque :twisting force; force producing rotation
torrent :rushing stream; flood
torrid: (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate
torso: trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk
tortuous: winding; full of curves
toss: throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden motion; flip (a coin) to decide something
totem: animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family; representation of this
totter: shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall
touching: causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic
touch : cause to feel pity or sympathy
touchstone: stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion; standard
touchy :oversensitive; easily offended; irascible; delicate
tout: promote or publicize (one’s goods or service); praise excessively (as a form of advertisement)
toxic: poisonous
tract propaganda: pamphlet (esp. by a religious or political group); expanse of land
tractable: docile; easily managed
traduce: expose to slander
trajectory :path taken by a projectile
tramp :walk with a heavy step; travel on foot
trample :step heavily with the feet; crush under the feet
trance :hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from one’s physical surrounding
tranquility :calmness; peace
transcendent: exceeding ordinary limits; superior; surpassing
transcend : go beyond; exceed; surpass
transcendental: going beyond common thought or ideas; impossible to understand by practical experiences
transcribe: copy; write a copy of
transgression: violation of a law; sin
transgress: go beyond (a limit); violate; do wrong
transient: staying for a short time; momentary; temporary
transition :going from one state of action to another
transitory: transient; impermanent; fleeting
translucent: partly transparent
transmute :transform; change; convert to something different
transparent :permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected; obvious; clear
transpire: (of a fact) become known; be revealed; happen
transport :strong emotion; rapture
transpose: reverse the order or position of
trappings: outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward sign of rank)
traumatic: (of an experience) deeply shocking; pertaining to an injury caused by violence
travail :strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of childbirth
traverse :go through or across
travesty :copy or example of something that completely misrepresents the true nature of the real thing
tread :walk; trample
treasure: keep as precious; cherish
treatise :article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly
trek: travel; journey
tremor: trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from nervous agitation)
tremulous: trembling; wavering
trenchant :cutting; incisive; keen
trepidation: fear; nervous apprehension
tribulation: suffering; ordeal; distress; trial
tribunal :court of justice
tribune :official of ancient Rome elected by the plebian to protect their rights
tribute: tax levied by a ruler; payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission
trickle: flow in drops or in a thin stream
trickster: person who cheats people
trident :three-pronged spear
trifle :something of little importance or value; small amount
trifling :trivial; unimportant
trigger: set off; start
trilogy: group of three related works (connected by a shared subject but each complete in itself)
trim: make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by removing what is unnecessary
tidy: in good order
trinket: knickknack; bauble; cheap jewelry
trite: hackneyed; commonplace
trivia: trifles; unimportant matters
troth : pledge of good faith especially in betrothal; betrothal
trough: long narrow container for feeding farm animals; lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.)
truculence: aggressiveness; ferocity
truculent: aggressive; pugnacious; fierce
truism: self-evident truth
truncate: cut the top off; shorten
trunk :main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the head and limbs; torso
tryst :meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet
tumid : (of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous
tumult :commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar
tumultuous: noisy and disorderly
tundra: rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America
turbid: (of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed; muddy; thick
turbulence: state of violent agitation
turbulent: violently agitated or disturbed
tureen :deep dish for serving soup
turgid :swollen; distended (as from liquid)
turmoil :extreme confusion; great commotion and confusion
turncoat:traitor
turpitude:depravity; baseness
tutelage: guardianship; training; function of a tutor
tutelary :protective; pertaining to a guardianship
tycoon :wealthy and powerful businessperson
typhoon: tropical hurricane or cyclone
tyranny :oppression; cruel government
tyrannical : despotic
tyrannize : treat tyrannically; oppress
tyro : beginner; novice
U
ubiquitous: being everywhere; omnipresent
ulcer: sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside the body
ulterior: intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident; situated beyond; unstated and often questionable
ultimate :final; not susceptible to further analysis; fundamental
Ultimatum :last demand; last warning; last statement of conditions that must be met
umbrage: resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult
unaccountable: inexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable or mysterious
unanimity: complete agreement
unassailable: not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question
unassuaged:unsatisfied; not soothed
unassuming :modest
unbridled :violent; uncontrolled
uncanny: strange; mysterious
unceremonious: not done politely without due formalities
unconscionable :unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive; beyond reason
uncouth: boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; outlandish
unction: the act of anointing with oil
unctuous :oily; bland; insincerely suave
underhand(underhanded) :done slyly and secretly (being dishonest)
underlying :lying below; fundamental
undermine :weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath
underscore :underline; emphasize
understate :state with less truth than seems warranted by the facts
understatement: statement which is below the truth
undertaker :funeral director; one whose business is to arrange burials
undulating:moving with a wavelike motion
unearth: dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching
unearthly :not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly
unequivocal: plain; clear; obvious
unerringly: infallibly
unexceptionable: entirely acceptable; not offering any basis for criticism
unfaltering :steadfast; firm; not changing
unfeigned: genuine; real
unfetter: liberate; free from chains unfledged:immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly
unfrock :defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority
ungainly (of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of something) unwieldy
unguent ointment
uniformity sameness; monotony
unilateral one-sided; involving or affecting only one side
unimpeachable that cannot be impeached; beyond doubt or question; blameless and exemplary
uninhibited unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings
unintimating unfrightening
unique without an equal; single in kind
unison unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete accord
universal characterizing or affecting all; general; present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic
unkempt disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not combed
unmitigated (of something bad) not moderated; unrelieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute
unobtrusive inconspicuous; not blatant
unprecedented having no previous example; novel; unparalleled
unprepossessing unattractive
unravel disentangle; solve
unregenerate making no attempt to change one’s bad practices
unrequited not requited; not reciprocated
unruly disobedient; lawless; difficult to control
unsavory distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive
unscathed unharmed
unseemly unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent
unsightly ugly; unpleasant to look at
unsullied untarnished
untenable (of a position, esp. in an argument) indefensible; not able to be maintained
untoward unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky
unwarranted unjustified; having no justification; groundless
unwieldy awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable
unwitting not knowing; unaware; unintentional
unwonted unaccustomed; unusual
upbraid reprimand; severely scold
upright (sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral
uproar noisy confusion
uproariousmarked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious
upshot outcome; final result
urbane suave; refined in manner; elegant
urchin mischievous child (usually a boy)
urge drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive to take action; impel; entreat earnestly
urgent compelling immediate action; pressing; persistent; importunate
ursine bear like; pertaining to a bear
usage act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in which words are actually used
usurp seize another’s power or rank (without legal authority); supplant; appropriate
usury lending money at illegal high rates of interest
utopia ideal place, state, or society
uxorious excessively submissive or devoted to one’s wife
ulcer: sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside the body
ulterior: intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident; situated beyond; unstated and often questionable
ultimate :final; not susceptible to further analysis; fundamental
Ultimatum :last demand; last warning; last statement of conditions that must be met
umbrage: resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult
unaccountable: inexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable or mysterious
unanimity: complete agreement
unassailable: not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question
unassuaged:unsatisfied; not soothed
unassuming :modest
unbridled :violent; uncontrolled
uncanny: strange; mysterious
unceremonious: not done politely without due formalities
unconscionable :unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive; beyond reason
uncouth: boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; outlandish
unction: the act of anointing with oil
unctuous :oily; bland; insincerely suave
underhand(underhanded) :done slyly and secretly (being dishonest)
underlying :lying below; fundamental
undermine :weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath
underscore :underline; emphasize
understate :state with less truth than seems warranted by the facts
understatement: statement which is below the truth
undertaker :funeral director; one whose business is to arrange burials
undulating:moving with a wavelike motion
unearth: dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching
unearthly :not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly
unequivocal: plain; clear; obvious
unerringly: infallibly
unexceptionable: entirely acceptable; not offering any basis for criticism
unfaltering :steadfast; firm; not changing
unfeigned: genuine; real
unfetter: liberate; free from chains unfledged:immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly
unfrock :defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority
ungainly (of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of something) unwieldy
unguent ointment
uniformity sameness; monotony
unilateral one-sided; involving or affecting only one side
unimpeachable that cannot be impeached; beyond doubt or question; blameless and exemplary
uninhibited unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings
unintimating unfrightening
unique without an equal; single in kind
unison unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete accord
universal characterizing or affecting all; general; present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic
unkempt disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not combed
unmitigated (of something bad) not moderated; unrelieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute
unobtrusive inconspicuous; not blatant
unprecedented having no previous example; novel; unparalleled
unprepossessing unattractive
unravel disentangle; solve
unregenerate making no attempt to change one’s bad practices
unrequited not requited; not reciprocated
unruly disobedient; lawless; difficult to control
unsavory distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive
unscathed unharmed
unseemly unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent
unsightly ugly; unpleasant to look at
unsullied untarnished
untenable (of a position, esp. in an argument) indefensible; not able to be maintained
untoward unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky
unwarranted unjustified; having no justification; groundless
unwieldy awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable
unwitting not knowing; unaware; unintentional
unwonted unaccustomed; unusual
upbraid reprimand; severely scold
upright (sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral
uproar noisy confusion
uproariousmarked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious
upshot outcome; final result
urbane suave; refined in manner; elegant
urchin mischievous child (usually a boy)
urge drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive to take action; impel; entreat earnestly
urgent compelling immediate action; pressing; persistent; importunate
ursine bear like; pertaining to a bear
usage act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in which words are actually used
usurp seize another’s power or rank (without legal authority); supplant; appropriate
usury lending money at illegal high rates of interest
utopia ideal place, state, or society
uxorious excessively submissive or devoted to one’s wife
V
vacillate: waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro
vacuous: empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous expression
vagabond :wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp
vagary: capricious happening; caprice; whim
vagrant: homeless wanderer
vain :full of self-admiration; conceited; without result; unsuccessful
vainglorious: boastful; excessively conceited
valediction: saying farewell; expression of leave-taking
valedictory: pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)
valid :logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective
validate: make valid; confirm; ratify
valor: bravery
valiant: possessing valor; brave
vampire: ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living
vanguard: forerunners; foremost position of an army; advance forces
vantage :position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point)
vapid: lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless
vaporize: turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)
variegate: change the appearance of (by marking with different colors)
variegated: (esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored
varnish: paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film
vassal :in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord
vaunted: boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt: boast; brag
veer :change in direction; swerve
vegetate:live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity)
vehement: forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong
velocity :speed
venal: capable of being bribed; corrupt
vendetta: blood feud (esp. between two families)
vendor: seller
veneer :thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued to a base of inferior material)
venerable: deserving high respect; commanding respect
venerate :revere; treat with great respect
venial : (of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial
venison :meat of a deer
venom: poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full of venom
vent :release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.
ventilate: admit fresh air into to replace stale air
ventral :abdominal
ventriloquist :someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing
venture: risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk
venturesome: (of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; (of an action) risky
venue :location; place (of a crime, trial, gathering)
veracious : (of a person) truthful
veracity: truthfulness; adherence to the truth
verbalize: put into words; ADJ. verbal: of words; spoken rather than written; oral; of a verb
verbatim: word for word; in the same words; repeating the actual words exactly
verbiage: pompous array of words; too many unnecessary words; wordiness
verbose: wordy; N. verbosity
verdant :green; covered with green plants or grass; lush in vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows
verdigris: green coating or patina on copper which has been exposed to the weather
verge:border; edge, rim, or margin; Ex. on the verge of: very near to; V: border on
verisimilar: having the appearance of truth or reality; probable or likely to be true; plausible
verisimilitude: appearance of truth; quality of appearing to be true or real; likelihood
veritable :being truly so; real or genuine; actual; not false or imaginary
verity: quality of being true; lasting truth or principle; Ex. the verity of his testimony
vernacular :living language (as compared to the official language); language spoken in a country or region
vernal:pertaining to spring
versatile: having many talents; capable of working in many fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility
vertebrate: having a backbone or spinal column; N: group of animals having a segmented spinal column
vertex :summit; highest point; PL. vertices
vertigo :severe dizziness; giddiness
verve: enthusiasm (as in artistic performance or composition); liveliness; vigor
vestige: trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion
veto: vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right; V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto
vex :annoy; distress
viable :capable of maintaining life; feasible; practical or workable; Ex. viable scheme
viand :food
vibrant: full of vigor or energy; vibrating
vicar :parish priest; representative
vicarious:experienced as if one were taking part in the experience of another; done by a deputy for other people
vicissitude :change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune
victuals :food; provisions
vie :contend; compete
vigil :keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours)
vigilant: watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to spot danger; N. vigilance
vigilante :one who without authority assumes law enforcement powers
vignette: small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch
vigor: active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigorous
vile: despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander
vilify :slander; speak evil of; N. vilification
vindicate: clear from blame; free from blame or accusation (with supporting proof)
vindictive: disposed to revenge; vengeful; out for revenge; spiteful; intended to cause harm; malicious
vintner :wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine
violate: break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves
viper :poisonous snake
virile: manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of strength
virtual: in essence; existing in essence though not in actual form; for practical purposes
virtue: goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advantage
virtuoso: highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano virtuoso
virulent : (of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter
virus: disease communicator
visage: face; appearance
visceral: felt in one’s inner organs; N. viscera: internal body organs
viscid: adhesive; gluey
viscous: (of a liquid) thick and sticky; gluey; viscid
vise vice: tool for holding work in place; clamping device
vision: eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural
visionary :produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; showing foresight
vital :full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life
vitiate :spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt morally
vitreous: of glass; pertaining to or resembling glass
vitriolic :causing sharp pain to the mind; caustic; corrosive; sarcastic; of vitriol
vituperative : abusive; scolding
vivacious: lively or animated; sprightly, lively
vivid: (of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking lifelike mental images
vivisection: act of dissecting living animals
vixen: female fox; ill-tempered woman
vociferous: clamorous; noisy
vogue: popular fashion
volatile: changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of temper); mercurial; tending to violence
volition: act of using one’s will; act of making a conscious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition.
volley: simultaneous discharge of a number of shots
voluble: fluent; talkative; glib
voluminous: having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large
voluptuous: sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in sensual pleasures
voodoo: religion practiced chiefly in Haiti
voracious: ravenous; eating large quantities of food; exceedingly eager; insatiable
vortex: whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged
vouch: give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his integrity; N. voucher
vouchsafe: grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment
voyeur: Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others
vulgar: of the common people; deficient in refinement; not refined; coarse vulgarity; crudely indecent word
vulnerable: susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability
vulpine :like a fox; crafty
vulture :carrion-eating birds
vying :contending; CF. vie
vacuous: empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous expression
vagabond :wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp
vagary: capricious happening; caprice; whim
vagrant: homeless wanderer
vain :full of self-admiration; conceited; without result; unsuccessful
vainglorious: boastful; excessively conceited
valediction: saying farewell; expression of leave-taking
valedictory: pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)
valid :logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective
validate: make valid; confirm; ratify
valor: bravery
valiant: possessing valor; brave
vampire: ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living
vanguard: forerunners; foremost position of an army; advance forces
vantage :position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point)
vapid: lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless
vaporize: turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)
variegate: change the appearance of (by marking with different colors)
variegated: (esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored
varnish: paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film
vassal :in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord
vaunted: boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt: boast; brag
veer :change in direction; swerve
vegetate:live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity)
vehement: forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong
velocity :speed
venal: capable of being bribed; corrupt
vendetta: blood feud (esp. between two families)
vendor: seller
veneer :thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued to a base of inferior material)
venerable: deserving high respect; commanding respect
venerate :revere; treat with great respect
venial : (of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial
venison :meat of a deer
venom: poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full of venom
vent :release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.
ventilate: admit fresh air into to replace stale air
ventral :abdominal
ventriloquist :someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing
venture: risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk
venturesome: (of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; (of an action) risky
venue :location; place (of a crime, trial, gathering)
veracious : (of a person) truthful
veracity: truthfulness; adherence to the truth
verbalize: put into words; ADJ. verbal: of words; spoken rather than written; oral; of a verb
verbatim: word for word; in the same words; repeating the actual words exactly
verbiage: pompous array of words; too many unnecessary words; wordiness
verbose: wordy; N. verbosity
verdant :green; covered with green plants or grass; lush in vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows
verdigris: green coating or patina on copper which has been exposed to the weather
verge:border; edge, rim, or margin; Ex. on the verge of: very near to; V: border on
verisimilar: having the appearance of truth or reality; probable or likely to be true; plausible
verisimilitude: appearance of truth; quality of appearing to be true or real; likelihood
veritable :being truly so; real or genuine; actual; not false or imaginary
verity: quality of being true; lasting truth or principle; Ex. the verity of his testimony
vernacular :living language (as compared to the official language); language spoken in a country or region
vernal:pertaining to spring
versatile: having many talents; capable of working in many fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility
vertebrate: having a backbone or spinal column; N: group of animals having a segmented spinal column
vertex :summit; highest point; PL. vertices
vertigo :severe dizziness; giddiness
verve: enthusiasm (as in artistic performance or composition); liveliness; vigor
vestige: trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion
veto: vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right; V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto
vex :annoy; distress
viable :capable of maintaining life; feasible; practical or workable; Ex. viable scheme
viand :food
vibrant: full of vigor or energy; vibrating
vicar :parish priest; representative
vicarious:experienced as if one were taking part in the experience of another; done by a deputy for other people
vicissitude :change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune
victuals :food; provisions
vie :contend; compete
vigil :keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours)
vigilant: watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to spot danger; N. vigilance
vigilante :one who without authority assumes law enforcement powers
vignette: small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch
vigor: active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigorous
vile: despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander
vilify :slander; speak evil of; N. vilification
vindicate: clear from blame; free from blame or accusation (with supporting proof)
vindictive: disposed to revenge; vengeful; out for revenge; spiteful; intended to cause harm; malicious
vintner :wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine
violate: break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves
viper :poisonous snake
virile: manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of strength
virtual: in essence; existing in essence though not in actual form; for practical purposes
virtue: goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advantage
virtuoso: highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano virtuoso
virulent : (of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter
virus: disease communicator
visage: face; appearance
visceral: felt in one’s inner organs; N. viscera: internal body organs
viscid: adhesive; gluey
viscous: (of a liquid) thick and sticky; gluey; viscid
vise vice: tool for holding work in place; clamping device
vision: eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural
visionary :produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; showing foresight
vital :full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life
vitiate :spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt morally
vitreous: of glass; pertaining to or resembling glass
vitriolic :causing sharp pain to the mind; caustic; corrosive; sarcastic; of vitriol
vituperative : abusive; scolding
vivacious: lively or animated; sprightly, lively
vivid: (of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking lifelike mental images
vivisection: act of dissecting living animals
vixen: female fox; ill-tempered woman
vociferous: clamorous; noisy
vogue: popular fashion
volatile: changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of temper); mercurial; tending to violence
volition: act of using one’s will; act of making a conscious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition.
volley: simultaneous discharge of a number of shots
voluble: fluent; talkative; glib
voluminous: having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large
voluptuous: sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in sensual pleasures
voodoo: religion practiced chiefly in Haiti
voracious: ravenous; eating large quantities of food; exceedingly eager; insatiable
vortex: whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged
vouch: give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his integrity; N. voucher
vouchsafe: grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment
voyeur: Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others
vulgar: of the common people; deficient in refinement; not refined; coarse vulgarity; crudely indecent word
vulnerable: susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability
vulpine :like a fox; crafty
vulture :carrion-eating birds
vying :contending; CF. vie
W
wade : walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes
movement
waffle: speak equivocally about an issue
waft: move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves; Ex. leaves wafting past the window
wag : shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit
wage :begin and continue (a war)
waggish :humorous; mischievous; tricky
waif :homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays
waive: give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a right or claim; document that waives a right or claim
wake :trail of ship or other object through water; path of something that has gone before
wallow :roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in a rough sea; become helpless
wan :having a pale or sickly color; pallid
wanderlust :strong longing to travel
wane :decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow gradually to an end
wangle :achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.
wanton :unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous
warble : (of a bird) sing; babble
ward :administrative division of a city; division in a hospital or prison; incompetent person
warp: twist out of shape
warrant: justification; written order that serves as authorization (esp. a judicial writ)
warranted: justified; authorized
warranty: guarantee; assurance by seller
warren: tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live
wary: very cautious; watchful
wastrel :waster; profligate
waver: move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or unsteady in decision or movement
wax: increase gradually (as the moon); grow
waylay: ambush; lie in wait for and attack
wean :accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling
weary: tired after long work
weather: pass safely through (a storm or difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces
weird: eerie; strange; unnatural
well-bred: of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined
welt: raised mark from a beating or whipping
welter: wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as in blood)
wheedle: deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax
whelp :young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family); young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.
whet :sharpen; stimulate
whiff :puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; hint
whim: sudden capricious idea; fancy
whimsical: capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange
whimsy:whim; tendency to behave amusingly strangely
whine :complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as in pain or supplication)
whinny: neigh like a horse
whit :small amount; smallest speck
whittle: pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim
wholesome: conducive to mental or physical health; healthful
whorl :ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement
wiggle: wriggle; move from side to side with irregular twisting motions
willful : intentional; headstrong
willowy: flexible; pliant; slender
wilt :loose freshness; droop
wily :crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem
wince: move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She winced as she touched the cold body.
windfall :fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event
winnow: sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing; separate good parts from bad
winsome: charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging
wisp: small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)
wispy :thin; slight; barely discernible
wistful :sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing
withdrawn: introverted; retiring; remote remote/distant in manner; aloof
wither: (of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose freshness; shrivel; decay
withhold: refuse to give; hold back
withstand :stand up against; resist successfully
witless: lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic
witticism: witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)
wizardry: sorcery; magic
wizened: shriveled; withered
woe: great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction; suffering
woeful :sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably bad
wont: (the stated person’s) habit or custom; habitual procedure
worldly: engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual; of the material world
wrangle: quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle
wrath :anger; fury
wreak: inflict; Ex. wreak one’s vengeance on
wrench :twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands.
wrest :obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence
wretch: miserable person; bad or despicable person
wring: twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting; wrench painfully (necks or hands)
wrinkle: small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth)
writ :written command issued by a court (telling someone to do or not to do something)
writhe: twist in coils; contort in pain
wrongheaded: stubbornly wrong
waffle: speak equivocally about an issue
waft: move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves; Ex. leaves wafting past the window
wag : shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit
wage :begin and continue (a war)
waggish :humorous; mischievous; tricky
waif :homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays
waive: give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a right or claim; document that waives a right or claim
wake :trail of ship or other object through water; path of something that has gone before
wallow :roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in a rough sea; become helpless
wan :having a pale or sickly color; pallid
wanderlust :strong longing to travel
wane :decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow gradually to an end
wangle :achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.
wanton :unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous
warble : (of a bird) sing; babble
ward :administrative division of a city; division in a hospital or prison; incompetent person
warp: twist out of shape
warrant: justification; written order that serves as authorization (esp. a judicial writ)
warranted: justified; authorized
warranty: guarantee; assurance by seller
warren: tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live
wary: very cautious; watchful
wastrel :waster; profligate
waver: move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or unsteady in decision or movement
wax: increase gradually (as the moon); grow
waylay: ambush; lie in wait for and attack
wean :accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling
weary: tired after long work
weather: pass safely through (a storm or difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces
weird: eerie; strange; unnatural
well-bred: of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined
welt: raised mark from a beating or whipping
welter: wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as in blood)
wheedle: deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax
whelp :young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family); young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.
whet :sharpen; stimulate
whiff :puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; hint
whim: sudden capricious idea; fancy
whimsical: capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange
whimsy:whim; tendency to behave amusingly strangely
whine :complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as in pain or supplication)
whinny: neigh like a horse
whit :small amount; smallest speck
whittle: pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim
wholesome: conducive to mental or physical health; healthful
whorl :ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement
wiggle: wriggle; move from side to side with irregular twisting motions
willful : intentional; headstrong
willowy: flexible; pliant; slender
wilt :loose freshness; droop
wily :crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem
wince: move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She winced as she touched the cold body.
windfall :fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event
winnow: sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing; separate good parts from bad
winsome: charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging
wisp: small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)
wispy :thin; slight; barely discernible
wistful :sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing
withdrawn: introverted; retiring; remote remote/distant in manner; aloof
wither: (of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose freshness; shrivel; decay
withhold: refuse to give; hold back
withstand :stand up against; resist successfully
witless: lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic
witticism: witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)
wizardry: sorcery; magic
wizened: shriveled; withered
woe: great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction; suffering
woeful :sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably bad
wont: (the stated person’s) habit or custom; habitual procedure
worldly: engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual; of the material world
wrangle: quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle
wrath :anger; fury
wreak: inflict; Ex. wreak one’s vengeance on
wrench :twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands.
wrest :obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence
wretch: miserable person; bad or despicable person
wring: twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting; wrench painfully (necks or hands)
wrinkle: small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth)
writ :written command issued by a court (telling someone to do or not to do something)
writhe: twist in coils; contort in pain
wrongheaded: stubbornly wrong
wry: (esp. of an
expression of the face) twisted; with a humorous twist (expressing displeasure)
X
Xanadu= an imaginary exotic, beautiful, idyllic
place first mentioned in Saint Coleridge’s Kuba Khan
Xanthous= relating to, designating races with yellowish hair in a light complexion
Xenophobe= a person who hates and distrusts stranger or foreigners
Xenophobia= fear of stranger or foreigners
Xerography= a photocopying process in which an electrostatic image is formed on a selenium plate or cylinder
Xerostomia= abnormal lack of saliva, dryness of mouth
X-rated= excessive brutality or horrificness
Xylem= plant tissue that conducts water and mineral salts from the roots to all other parts
Xyloid =woody
Xylophagous= eating or destroying wood
Xylophone= A musical instrument consisting of wooden bars that are sounded by being struck with millets
Xylotomous= (of certain insects) cutting or boring into woods
Xanthous= relating to, designating races with yellowish hair in a light complexion
Xenophobe= a person who hates and distrusts stranger or foreigners
Xenophobia= fear of stranger or foreigners
Xerography= a photocopying process in which an electrostatic image is formed on a selenium plate or cylinder
Xerostomia= abnormal lack of saliva, dryness of mouth
X-rated= excessive brutality or horrificness
Xylem= plant tissue that conducts water and mineral salts from the roots to all other parts
Xyloid =woody
Xylophagous= eating or destroying wood
Xylophone= A musical instrument consisting of wooden bars that are sounded by being struck with millets
Xylotomous= (of certain insects) cutting or boring into woods
Y
yearling n. A young animal past its first year and not
yet two years old.
yen: strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel
yeoman: man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer
yield :amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment
yoke: join together; unite
yokel :rustic; country bumpkin
yore: time long past; Ex. in the days of yore
yen: strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel
yeoman: man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer
yield :amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment
yoke: join together; unite
yokel :rustic; country bumpkin
yore: time long past; Ex. in the days of yore
Z
zany: comic; crazy; N: clown; comical person (given to outlandish
behavior)
zeal :eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal)
zealot: one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal
zenith: point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme; highest point
zephyr: gentle breeze; west wind
zest: outer skin of an orange used for giving a special taste to food; spice; interest; flavor
zest: to the affair; Ex. zest for life
zeal :eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal)
zealot: one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal
zenith: point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme; highest point
zephyr: gentle breeze; west wind
zest: outer skin of an orange used for giving a special taste to food; spice; interest; flavor
zest: to the affair; Ex. zest for life
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